News from Billington Cartmell ...Lexus has recruited pop-star Kylie Minogue to be the face of its latest ad campaign

Japanese car brand Lexus has recruited pop-star Kylie Minogue to be the face of its latest ad campaign in an effort to attract younger drivers.The Toyota-owned marque has also signed a deal with the Australian singer to be headline sponsor of her world tour.

Under the agreement, devised by Billington Cartmell, Minogue will appear in TV and print ads backing the launch of Lexus' CT 200h model. The ad campaign, created by CHI & Partners, will roll out next month under the strapline 'Join the quiet revolution.'

Lexus director Belinda Poole said using Minogue would enable the marque to reach out to the 'new customers we believe will form the core market for the CT 200h'.

Billington Cartmell is also creating a series of online films featuring behind-the-scenes footage of Minogue's tour.

The launch of the CT 200h, a hybrid hatchback that goes on general sale on 11 March, is Lexus' first foray into the luxury compact vehicle category.

LinkDirect has appointed Simon Hedges as its new business development manager

Birkenhead door drop marketing company LinkDirect has appointed Simon Hedges as its new business development manager selling the company’s services to publishers, advertisers and advertising agencies.

Hedges, 40, formerly spent 13 years at McCanns in Prestbury, latterly as the agency’s target marketing manager with responsibility for door drop campaigns with clients such as Aldi and More Than

His twin roles at LinkDirect are to enhance the company's existing sales operation and to raise its profile in general.