Bauer Media UK has appointed ex-Warner Group and LoveLive executive Sam Jones as managing director, digital.
In a statement, Bauer said the appointment will see Jones “accelerate the transformation” of the company’s digital business, and comes less than a week after Bauer unveiled a new venture capital fund with €100 million to invest in scalable business models, start-ups and young technology companies over the next ten years.
Bauer has a consumer base of tens of millions across brands including Heat, Grazia, Empire, Absolute Radio and recent digital-first launch The Debrief.
Jones, who replaces Mark Hardy, has worked in the digital space for fifteen years and was previously group director at sports media company Perform Group before becoming COO and co-founder at music branded content and distribution company LoveLive, a global business that works with artists such as Rhianna, Madonna and Muse and brands including Pepsi and Nike.
He has also held senior roles at Warner Music Group and recently managed an advisory business, working with corporate and early stage clients, including The Daily Telegraph and Mapp Media.
“This is a pivotal appointment for Bauer Media,” said Bauer Media’s CEO, Paul Keenan. “Sam is one of the leading players within the digital space, and has highly relevant experience to develop and extend our offer to ensure our products engage and deliver for consumers, advertisers and partners across all platforms and devices.
“We are committed to continued momentum in digital, particularly in video, and with Sam’s energy and leadership we will accelerate our digital growth and business transformation.”
Jones added: “Bauer Media is uniquely placed for digital growth with true multi-platform touch-points – online, mobile, TV, radio, magazines – that own measurably engaged and deep relationships with tens of millions of passionate consumers.
“Ultimately, it’s a world-class platform of consumer brands and relationships that touch what people love in their lives. Unlocking this value, developing new partnerships, products and business models alongside the backing of our investment fund presents an incredibly exciting global growth opportunity.”
Jones starts in the new role on 1 September.
