Whos who in the zoo: Lonely Planet

by Marketing ON 25 March 2010

Lonely Planet has announced a Sue Norton as its new senior vice president and head of television.

The brand revealed to Marketing magazine the role had been filled by acting employees between the departure of the former head of television in June 2009, saying the appointment would bring a more strategic focus. It sees the role move from the brand’s spiritual home of Melbourne to Los Angeles.

Norton will be responsible for building Lonely Planet’s global programming and presence on television and digital video content for web, mobile and partner distribution. A particular focus will be on growing the brand’s television presence in the US.

“Sue’s role and her location in the global televisual capital can only accelerate our ambitions for Lonely Planet TV. Working with BBC Worldwide Productions hugely experienced team, led by Jane Tranter, will also afford her the networking opportunities we found difficult to deliver from this position in Melbourne,” said Marcus Arthur, managing director of global brands at BBC Worldwide and chairman of Lonely Planet.

Norton comes to Lonely Planet from Travel Channel Studios, which she launched and worked at as vice president.

Amid GFC BBC Worldwide earns over 1 billion pounds

by Marketing ON 15 July 2009

For the first time in its history, BBC’s revenue has exceeded $1 billion pounds.

Despite the GFC, BBC has seen revenues rise 9.5%. BBC’s overall return has climbed to £171.8 million from £137.2 million. International revenues are up 51.3% from 48.6%, in line with a strategy to earn two-thirds of revenue outside the UK.

In the past fiscal year, BBC took ownership of UKTV and launched BBC HD as well as Top Gear Australia and Good Food magazines.

Announcing the results John Smith, chief executive of BBC Worldwide, said the figures reflected the continued strength of the business in spite of a severe downturn impacting all facets of the media and entertainment industry.

“In spite of volatile conditions and heavy investment in several parts of the business, we remain encouraged by the growth prospects and performance of our core operations and brands around the world.”

Non-executive chairman of BBC Worldwide, Etienne de Villiers, said the
company was a global showcase for British creative talent and a major
cog in Britain’s creative industries.

BBC Worldwide owns 44 channels, 15 of which were launched in the previous financial year. Its reach has extended to include 300 million viewers. Within Australia, BBC enjoyed the highest rating SBS program in its Top Gear Australia offering.

Who’s who in the zoo: BBC Worldwide appoints new exec. VP

by Marketing ON 19 June 2009

BBC Worldwide appoints new executive vice president.

Luke Bradley-Jones, former executive vice president (EVP), digital media and business development, has been appointed EVP, managing director for BBC.com (the international version of the BBC’s online offering).

BBC Worldwide’s director of strategy and managing director, digital media, David Moody, said:

“Having led our digital ventures in the US for the past two years, Luke is the natural candidate to take over the reins at BBC.com – especially as we work towards the site’s first localised edition in the U.S. next year.”

Luke’s digital pedigree began in 2007, when, after a year as BBC Worldwide’s head of strategy, he moved to the New York Office to build BBC Worldwide’s US digital business. Striking deals with Apple, X-Box and Yahoo, he also launched an American version of www.topgear.com and revamped www.bbcamerica.com.

Mr. Bradley-Jones explained:

“I am coming into this role with BBC.com in great shape, having secured over 400 advertisers in the 18 months since its commercial launch and commanding a consistently high position in its international competitive set. I’m looking forward to building on this success as we look to introduce significant new products and services for international audiences and advertisers in the next year.”

Bradley-Jones will replace Kym Niblock – who Marketingmag.com.au did an interview with earlier this year.

Who’s who in the Zoo: Rowell gets Lonely Planet role.

by Marketing ON 18 September 2008

Dominic Rowell has been named global marketing director for Lonely Planet, a newly created role responsible for coordinating all marketing activities and developing a global brand strategy.

He brings extensive experience in building consumer brands and driving sales in FMCGs and retail, more recently as marketing director of The Carphone Warehouse. He has also worked at Spillers, PepsiCo, Sainsbury’s and McDonald’s.

Rowell will be based at the company’s head office in Melbourne.

Stephen Palmer, acting chief executive of Lonely Planet, says the new role will entail working closely with the company’s regional marketing teams.

There has been much speculation as to what would happen at the travel-publishing house following its sale to BBC Worldwide.

The company’s move into mobile media last month, through a new partnership with Nokia, has been the major source of news out of the company.

Users of Nokia Maps can pay to download maps and city guides for more than 100 tourist locations provided by Lonely Planet.

On the subject of Lonely Planet: ever wanted to get an inside look at the workings of one of the most powerful publishing brands on the planet? Want to know how it dealt with a glaring spelling mistake on the cover of one of its most popular releases?

Check out Marketing Magazine’s October issue for a full-length Lonely Planet article, written by editor Kylie Flavell. In a candid interview, Tony Wheeler gives Marketing a peek into the world of his brainchild and why everyone is dying to work there.

Marketing October issue on sale 24 September.