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Metro has appointed Steve Auckland, the former group assistant

publishing director of Regional Independent Media, to the newly created

post of deputy managing director.

The appointment ends the mystery over Auckland's future, which was

sparked by his sudden departure from RIM, the owner of the Yorkshire

Post, last October. Auckland quit the company while engaged in an MBA in

Business sponsored by RIM.

Mike Anderson, Metro's managing director, said: "Steve is a dynamic

individual with impressive newspaper credentials. He also has extensive

understanding of the Metro brand and concept."

Auckland took a lead role in negotiating the original franchise

agreement between RIM and Metro that led to the launch of the free

newspaper in Leeds and Sheffield. As part of his RIM role, he

subsequently oversaw the distribution, production and local ad sales for

the title in those cities.

"He's been a franchisee and a partner on the other side of this

arrangement and I think other partners will welcome his addition to our

team," Anderson said.

Auckland's role will include overseeing the broadening of Metro's reach

and exploiting multimedia opportunities. His experience in classified ad

sales will also prove a boon, according to Anderson.

"Steve is going to help us maximise our potential," he said. "He's got

fantastic enthusiasm and the right kind of attitude."