The Manchester operation was previously overseen by National Letterbox chief executive Keith Bradley, together with the company's head office in Hertford.
"Tony's credibility and presence within the industry will undoubtedly bring significant benefit to NLM and we look forward to his arrival," Bradley said.
Steenson left Newsquest in March after 10 years as sales director for Newsquest in the Midlands and North, based in Manchester. He had previously been a sales director for media sales agency SMS for three years.
Steve Blakeman, managing partner of PHD Compass, said: "I am delighted to see Tony return to the industry so soon.
"NLM has pulled of a genuine coup in securing Tony's services -- he is one of the key operators in the Northern scene and its gain is everybody else's loss."
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