James Hall has yet to start at Alamy, but when he does, he will be report directly to the CEO, and "will be creating visual news products for Alamy's existing customer base as well as for new markets and platforms."

James West, Alamy CEO says in a statement: "We’re delighted that James [Hall] will be heading up this new department - his grounding in current affairs and management was a big factor in our decision to back a candidate who isn't from the photo industry. This is a great opportunity to build a product from a customer's perspective."

Hall, a dual US/UK citizen, will be joining the company in the first quarter of 2011.

Alamy's head of news, will "be responsible for defining the product plan, implementing change, establishing processes, and continuously assessing the products you deliver against the competition. You will be taking often complex and conflicting direction from customers and contributors and distilling them down into products that will become essential everyday tools for end users," says Alamy.

His duties will also include: "Working with customers, photographers, and videographers, to provide leadership and to articulate a workable plan to the various stakeholders. You will also be working closely with peers from other departments in Content, Sales, Development, Design, and Operations to bring together the strands necessary to build a complete product."

Alamy was looking for a head of news with "a solid background in the news industry, considerable line management experience, be willing to travel, and be an excellent communicator."

For more information about Alamy, visit www.alamy.com.