Brian Freeman will work closely with the Chief Executive and executive team to drive the financial performance of the company, enabling Haymarket to deliver on its Group Growth Plan, says the company.
Brian’s appointment comes as Haymarket completes a major reorganisation as part of its Group Growth Plan, involving non-core disposals, capital restructuring and debt reduction with a view to focus investment on its core business to business and consumer media operations. The company’s latest accounts show it delivered a pre-tax profit of £11.08m reversing a pre-tax loss of £7.61m in the previous 18-month reporting period.
Brian joined Haymarket as a management accountant in 1989. He has spent the last five and a half years as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the company’s divisions in Germany, India and Asia, as well as supporting the Chief Executive with business in the UK and US.
Brian was involved at the start of the company’s international expansion in 1998, and is a director on the Haymarket Group board as well as divisions in Asia, India and Germany, US and UK.
Brian is also a director of Frontline, the magazine sales and distribution company, and is Chairman of Seymour International, the subsidiary of Frontline responsible for export magazine sales.
Prior to joining the company, Brian worked at KPMG as a Trainee Accountant, having graduated from Exeter University.
Kevin Costello says: “I’ve known Brian for 21 years and I’m thrilled he’s agreed to take up this new challenge. He’s been a fantastic support to me in the implementation of our Group Growth Plan and is well-known to many in the business. His outstanding knowledge, depth of experience and affinity with our brands will stand him in great stead.”
Brian Freeman says: “After 26 years at Haymarket, I’m excited to take up this new role and look forward to the challenges and opportunities it will bring. I’ve had the opportunity to work on some of the best specialist media brands in the world in my career so far, and look forward to working with Kevin and the board to drive the continued success of the portfolio through the Group Growth Plan.”
