The National Federation of Retail Newsagents has restructured its management team and pledged to be a "fully joined-up" association for its 18,000 members.

The Grocer revealed last month that the NFRN had come under fire from members who claimed it wasn't vocal enough and had missed key industry meetings following the departure of head of newspapers and magazines Stefan Wojciechowski.

As part of the restructure, trade relations manager David Daniel will head the news and magazines department, responsible for news operations and news development. Retail development manager for the central southern area, Bob Scott, is promoted to the new role of national news operations manager. He will take control of the newspaper category and wholesaler service issues. Brian Murphy, who is currently product manager, gets the new role of national news development manager, where he will take responsibility for developing the magazine category through NFRN members.

General manager Paul Chambers will continue in his role and will also be the primary contact for senior directors of publishers, distributors and wholesalers.

"We should be more focused in providing direct support for our independent news retailers who need our help if they are to optimise profit on return and compete effectively in the news category," said Chambers.

There was considerable untapped potential among NFRN members to grow their news category, added Daniel, and the NFRN would now be applying greater focus and resource to support members.