Bauer appoints new Group Digital Director

Sony Music’s Strategic Planning Director Mark Hardy is joining Bauer Media as Group Digital Director for its London Lifestyle magazine and radio brands.

Reporting to Chief Executive Paul Keenan, Mark assumes overall responsibility for Bauer’s web, social and mobile offerings.

His immediate focus will be on developing and enhancing the presence of Bauer’s existing brands and executing new digital services.

Prior to working at Sony, Mark worked as Marketing Director for Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment with responsibility for the company’s global entertainment brands and was responsible for the global launch of One Direction.

During his career Mark also worked as European Marketing Director at Sony PlayStation and at The Walt Disney Company leading UK marketing campaigns for Disney and Pixar home entertainment.

Commenting on the appointment, Bauer Chief Executive Paul Keenan said: “Mark’s unique experience of marketing branded content globally will be exceptionally valuable to us as we accelerate the digital migration of our world-famous brands. I know that Mark is fascinated and excited by our swiftly changing and ever challenging consumer landscape – especially the commercialisation of new and emerging digital formats.”

Mark added: “I’m really excited to be joining Bauer Media at such a pivotal time for the company and the broader publishing and radio industries. With such a strong portfolio of brands, Bauer is in a unique position to develop a multi-platform strategy that can take advantage of changing consumer needs, new marketing channels, and emerging revenue streams. I am confident that my broad experience in digital, entertainment and branded content will bring a new perspective to a company that is already driving innovation in this space. I look forward to being part of the future success of the Bauer team.”