Ross Webster appointment
Former Bauer man joins Imagine Publishing as Commercial Director.
Former Head of New Business Digital at Bauer (formerly EMAP) takes top job at UK’s fastest growing publishing company
As part of its ongoing expansion online and into new magazine markets, Imagine Publishing announces the appointment of Ross Webster as its first Commercial Director, a Board position with a remit to drive the added value, print and online revenues of the company.
Former Bauer exec Webster will lead Imagine’s already-successful print and online advertising operation in conjunction with Head of Sales James Hanslip, and also drive website traffic and revenue for its porfolio of 23 websites, including its forthcoming portals due for launch in 2008/09. Before joining Imagine Webster was ten years at Bauer/EMAP, where he held the posts of Head of Men’s Market and more recently Head of New Business Development Digital. Prior to joining EMAP in 1997 he was at Times Newspapers.
“I am really pleased to be joining Imagine at an exciting time in its history. Imagine has proved itself to be a fast growth dynamic publishing company that produces quality magazines that truly know how to engage with and inspire its audiences” said Webster.
“The opportunities for Imagine are huge, and over the next 6 months will see the realisation of several ground-breaking initiatives that will help place it as first choice for advertisers to reach tech savvy opinion formers. I look forward to being part of the team that makes it happen.”
Reporting to Managing Director, Damian Butt, Webster will also be responsible for fully developing sponsorship revenue for its websites, including the popular PhotoFaceOff.co.uk, SFIcons.com, and sites for Digital Photographer, iCreate, Photoshop Creative, Web Designer, SciFiNow and Advanced Photoshop.
“Ross’s top flight experience wiil be invaluable to Imagine as we move into exciting new markets through new launch and acquisition, and also to more fully realise our advertising potential for existing magazine portfolio”, Butt said. “Ross’s appointment signals our intention to grow the business significantly and generate even greater value for our shareholders.”
Imagine Publishing is one of the UK’s fastest growing consumer specialist publishers. Formed in May 2005, it now publishes 20 magazines and 23 websites in the videogames, computing, entertainment and photography markets. An Imagine magazine is purchased every ten seconds.
Imagine Publishing
01202 586200
www.imagine-publishing.co.uk