Hughes Appointed Chairman Of Emap Broadcast Division
Cross-media heavyweight Emap has announced the appointment of Gary Hughes as chairman of its digital radio and television division with effect from 1 September.
As head of the Emap Performance division, Hughes will assume responsibility for extending the company’s brand strategy and extending its use of cross-media initiatives. He will also retain his current role as group finance director.
Emap claims that its strategy of cross-media promotion has developed well in recent months, with a strong focus on its core businesses of radio, magazines and television. However, the company states that its goal is to accelerate growth through cross-media, a challenge that is landed squarely at Hughes’ feet as the company’s new chairman.
As Hughes will concentrate primarily on cross-media activities, responsibility for Emap’s music magazine and television businesses, as well as events, ticketing, mobile and interactive ventures is left in the hands of Marcus Rich, managing director of magazines, television and ticketing. Meanwhile, Dee Ford, managing director of radio will continue to be responsible for radio strategy and implementation, acting as the link between Performance and Radio.
Commenting on the management reshuffle, Tom Moloney, chief executive of Emap, said: “I’m excited about these developments, because they reflect the breadth of opportunities that exist around the Performance business model. Emap has been very successful in developing its music brands across magazines, television and radio, and I believe there is much more we can do across our UK consumer brand portfolio. With Gary’s leadership this talented team will push our cross-media strategy forward.”
Emap’s management revamp is perhaps the most significant since Tim Schoonmaker’s installation as head of Performance more than a decade ago. His departure in January will allow the company to refresh its board and re-think its long-term strategy going forward (see Schoonmaker Steps Down As Emap Performance Boss).
Emap recently announced a number of measures to push its digital radio offerings, extending the coverage of its Kerrang! rock station into the north of England by including it on its seven wholly-owned DAB digital multiplexes (see Emap Expands Kerrang! Into Northern DAB Regions).
The company has also unveiled a massive advertising push to increase the popularity of its dance-focussed Kiss 100 station. The £1.5 million campaign will comprise television and radio advertising as well as experiential events and guerrilla activity including ‘Kiss on the Green’ events around London (see Emap Unveils Massive Advertising Push For Kiss).
Emap: 01733 568 900 www.emap.co.uk
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