News UK today announces changes in its senior leadership team as it continues to focus on driving long term sustainable growth.
Following the move of Chris Duncan to the new role of MD, Platform Partnerships, News UK, The Economist Chief Operating Officer and Publisher Michael Brunt is appointed to the new role of General Manager, Times Newspapers Limited. At the same time, Jo Bucci, currently Chief Operating Officer of News UK’s audio business Wireless, is appointed to the new role of General Manager, The Sun.
Reporting to News UK Chief Operating Officer David Dinsmore, Michael and Jo will take overall responsibility for the financial performance of The Times, The Sunday Times and The Sun, setting and implementing brand strategies for long-term cross-platform growth.
Michael joined the Economist Group in 2006 and has since held a number of senior roles in marketing and circulation, including Chief Marketing Officer and Managing Director of Circulation.
During her time at Wireless, Jo has been a pivotal force in the successful integration of the radio businesses into News UK – including Virgin Radio UK, talkSPORT and talkRADIO.
David Dinsmore said: “These new General Manager roles will be hugely influential in driving our strategy to grow and monetise the millions of people who engage with our newsbrands daily. Michael and Jo both have a proven track record of building and monetising powerful media brands across platforms.”
At the same time, Wireless Managing Director, Commercial Development, Calum Macaulay, will take the new role of General Manager, Wireless, reporting to Wireless CEO Scott Taunton.
Calum has worked across a number of senior roles within Wireless over the last 20 years, and most recently has been leading the development of non-traditional revenues.
Victoria Bell – currently interim CMO for The Sun – is named General Manager, Marketing across News UK. The new role has a strategic remit to lead the combined marketing functions which serve The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun and the national radio brands.
Reporting to David Dinsmore, Victoria will lead on News UK’s brand strategy and implementation, overseeing the customer acquisition and retention teams, as well as print sales, promotions and retail marketing strategy.
During her tenure, Victoria has worked in senior marketing roles across News UK, including Chief Marketing Officer for The Times and The Sunday Times.
Meanwhile, Alison Dolan, Chief Strategy Officer, News UK, takes on additional responsibilities for developing new distribution partnerships with platforms. Chris Duncan moves from his role as MD of Times Newspapers Limited to work with Alison in the new role of MD, Platform Partnerships, News UK.
Alison and Chris were pivotal in negotiating the recent deal with Apple which saw The Times and The Sunday Times launch on the Apple News+ paid subscription service.
Alison was appointed Chief Strategy Officer in January 2017. Focused on long-term strategy and business development, she has been central to leading the company’s future-proofing strategy.
Chris Duncan was appointed Managing Director, Times Newspapers Limited in November 2016, and has played a leading role in driving direct revenue growth across The Times and The Sunday Times through print and digital subscriptions.
