Microsoft ad executive Stephen Edwards joins Hearst Magazines UK as group digital sales director
Microsoft cross platform solutions specialist Stephen Edwards has been appointed by Hearst Magazines UK to the newly created role of group digital sales director.
Joining Hearst Magazines UK in May, Edwards brings with him digital and sales experience to the role as well as a strong background in leadership, strategy and sales. He has been tasked with driving the digital sales team and overseeing the continued development of cross-platform, integrated digital programmes for the company’s advertisers and digital agencies.
Edwards will report to group revenue director Max Raven and will work closely with Rebecca Miskin, digital strategy director, across the company’s portfolio. He will also be instrumental in helping with identifying new opportunities, platforms, products and services to grow Hearst Magazines UK’s digital advertising business.
Since joining Microsoft in 2009 as group account director Edwards has played a part in driving the strategy and execution of two of Microsoft’s biggest agency partners, Group M and Omnicom. Last year he was promoted to the role of cross platform solutions specialist where he took responsibility for promoting cross-platform solutions and multi-screen planning on emerging platforms such as Xbox Live, Skype and Windows 8. He was also the UK sales lead for Windows 8.
Prior to joining Microsoft Edwards held roles at Virgin Radio as a strategic accounts director and Titan Outdoor Advertising as group head of premium and digital formats.
Chief executive of Hearst Magazines UK, Arnaud de Puyfontaine, commented: “Stephen’s exceptional digital knowledge and sales experience is of crucial importance as we evolve our business and embrace new ways of connecting with audiences across multiple touch points. This role has huge untapped potential and will help drive our fantastic business forward.”
Edwards added: “I’m delighted to be joining Hearst Magazines UK at such an exciting and transformational time for the business. I’m very much looking forward to sharing the company’s vision, strategy and unrivalled cross-platform opportunities with brand and agency partners.”