This role will see him accelerate the transformation of the global media company’s digital business, leveraging multi-platform assets across both the company’s Lifestyle and Radio businesses with a consumer base of tens of millions across brands including heat, Grazia, KISS FM UK, Empire, Magic, Closer, Absolute Radio, The Box TV and recent digital-first launch The Debrief.
Bauer continues to invest strongly in its digital future through this major appointment. This follows an announcement earlier last week which saw the Bauer Media Group reveal the launch of the venture capital fund “Bauer Venture Partners”, with 100 million euros to invest in scalable business models, start-ups and young technology companies over the next ten years.
Sam Jones has worked in the digital space for fifteen years, with a reputation for spotting and scaling opportunities across a mix of start-up, early stage and international corporate institutions in sports, media, music and entertainment.
He previously worked as Group Director at FTSE 250 sports media company Perform Group from its genesis of Premium TV, leading commercial, product, content and marketing groups in the media and entertainment divisions. Perform is one of Europe’s key digital success stories who manage a portfolio of 200+ sports digital rights across subscription, sponsorship and advertising as well as owning the ePlayer video network (5bn video views).
Sam was also COO and co-founder at music branded content and distribution company LoveLive, a multi-million pound turnover global business that works with artists such as Rhianna, Madonna, Ellie Goulding, Muse, Mumford & Sons and brands such as Pepsi, Orange, HP, Ford Jameson and Nike.
He has also held senior roles at Warner Music Group, where he developed their digital assets in over 50 countries as well as launching their global video destination; and mobile video platform Kyte backed by the co-founder of Skype. He most recently managed an advisory business, working with corporate and early stage clients, including The Telegraph and Mapp Media.
Bauer Media’s CEO, Paul Keenan, said: “This is a pivotal appointment for Bauer Media. Sam is one of the leading players within the digital space, and has highly relevant experience to develop and extend our offer to ensure our products engage and deliver for consumers, advertisers and partners across all platforms and devices. We are committed to continued momentum in digital, particularly in video, and with Sam's energy and leadership we will accelerate our digital growth and business transformation.”
Commenting on the appointment as Managing Director, Digital - Bauer Media UK Sam Jones said: “Bauer Media is uniquely placed for digital growth with true multi-platform touch-points – online, mobile, TV, radio, magazines – that own measurably engaged and deep relationships with tens of millions of passionate consumers. Ultimately, it’s a world-class platform of consumer brands and relationships that touch what people love in their lives. Unlocking this value, developing new partnerships, products and business models alongside the backing of our investment fund presents an incredibly exciting global growth opportunity.”
Sam Jones will take up his role as Managing Director Digital, Bauer Media UK on the 1st of September.
