Telegraph Media Group’s Robert Ffitch is to take on the newly-created role of chief strategy officer at Hearst UK.
As director of advertising revenues at TMG, Ffitch has been responsible for display advertising and commercial branded content across both its print and digital platforms for the past 18 months.
Prior to that Ffitch spent 25 years at Manning Gottlieb OMD, where he held both managing director and CEO roles.
Ffitch will join Hearst UK’s senior leadership team on 4 September and will report to CEO James Wildman. His newly-created strategy division will encompass research and insight, data strategy, B2B marketing and commercial development.
“This appointment is a major coup for Hearst UK. Robert is extremely smart, digitally savvy and strong on cultural development,” Wildman said.
“He is passionate about our brands and excited to drive our business forwards. The fact he has chosen Hearst over many other suitors is testament to the size of opportunity we have in front of us. This is a valuable investment in our growth and I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him on board.”
Ffitch added: “Hearst has some wonderful, life-enhancing brands, and I can’t wait to work with a great team and an inspirational CEO.
“I already have a ton of ideas. I truly believe that within this transformational media world there are some fantastic opportunities for Hearst to strategically develop and offer partners some very exciting and successful commercial experiences.”
Hearst UK recently announced a number of significant editorial appointments as it begins its business restructure.
Following the decision to merge its Lifestyle & Homes titles into a new division, Sarah Bailey will take on a new role as group editorial director of Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima, while Susy Smith will become group editorial director of Country Living, House Beautiful and ELLE Decoration.
Meanwhile, Julia Goodwin has been appointed director of homes.
However, a number of both editorial and commercial jobs are expected to be lost in the coming months.
In a statement last month, Hearst UK said: “We are proposing a number of changes to both our editorial and commercial teams to ensure that our brands are in the best shape possible for the future and to allow us to develop more content in key areas where we see an opportunity for growth.
“As a result we do expect a number of people to leave the business, but we won’t know until the end of the consultation process what that number will be. Hearst UK prides itself on transparent communication coupled with a sensitive approach and we will ensure that everyone is supported with great care.”
