IPC Appoints Digital Development Director

IPC Connect has appointed Kevin Brown to the new role of digital development director across its portfolio of women’s brands, including Look, Chat, Pick Me Up and Now.

Previously head of interactive at Virgin Media Television, Brown joins IPC Connect this week with a remit to deliver a comprehensive digital strategy building on successful Connect digital brands including celebrity gossip destination www.nowmagazine.co.uk and mainstream women’s portal www.goodtoknow.co.uk, which launched in beta form last month.

He will report directly to IPC Connect managing director Evelyn Webster.

At Virgin Media Television, Brown managed the implementation of a range of developments including broadband VOD, content syndication, user generated applications and mobile activity across brands including LIVING, Bravo, Trouble, Challenge and FTN.

Prior to Virgin, Kevin worked with brands including Sky music channels The Amp, Flaunt and Scuzz, Teletext and Daily Star website Megastar.

Webster said: “Within Connect we have an unrivalled portfolio of hugely popular brands, and an unparalleled understanding of our audience. Now has already made a successful transition online and goodtoknow will grow in coming months to become the essential destination for the UK’s heartland women.

“Kevin brings years of experience in developing and translating brands in the digital space, whether they exist on other platforms or are targeted exclusively online. His arrival marks the beginning of the next phase of Connect’s digital development.”

Brown added: “Connect brands appeal to all ages – and all attitudes – of UK women. These women are migrating online in greater and greater numbers and the prospect of building on the existing digital development at Connect is truly exciting.”

In August, celebrity weekly Now unveiled a new look, featuring a fresh design and a more direct layout (see Now Magazine Unveils New Look).

Earlier that month, IPC launched women’s lifestyle portal Goodtoknow.co.uk, which acts as the central portal of IPC Connect’s weekly titles Pick Me Up, Woman’s Weekly, Now and Woman’s Own.

IPC Media: 0870 4445000 www.ipcmedia.com