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.