Lee (pictured) joins Hearst Magazines UK on April 16 from News International (NI) where he is currently Director of Product Strategy. Lee has extensive experience in the digital media/online environment working on some of the world’s market leading product.
Since 2007, he has been with NI in senior product development roles and was involved with the launch of a number of award-winning Web, Tablet and Smartphone products including the Times and Sunday Times iPad editions, Times Mobile and The Times.co.uk. Prior to joining NI, Lee was Head of B2B Product Development at FT.com - where he was involved in the development FT.com's product portfolio incl. FT.com subscription, FT Mobile, FT Search and FT.com's B2B products.
At Hearst Magazines UK, Lee will work with Digital Strategy Director, Rebecca Miskin and Digital Spy founder, James Welsh, to define and deliver the digital strategy for the business, focusing on digital growth and innovative product development.
Lee will partner and support the Hearst Magazines UK management team to deliver compelling and successful digital propositions for the company’s 21 magazine websites and digital pureplay brands.
Hearst Magazines UK claims to be the largest online publisher in the UK, reaching more than 20 million monthly unique users online and publishes leading brands such as top entertainment news website Digital Spy; the recently re-designed ELLEuk.com; health and wellbeing website Netdoctor; the leading young women’s site cosmopolitan; and pureplays handbag, All About You and Sugarscape.
Hearst UK is also making headlines in the area of product development recently launching Good Housekeeping Cake and Bake app, two mobile sites for Company and Men’s Health, an iPhone app for Sugarscape and a unique mobile app – the Genie Shopping App - for Cosmopolitan to celebrate the brand’s 40th anniversary. Hearst UK also claims to be the first major consumer lifestyle publisher to launch on Apple Newsstand, and now outperforms its competitors in digital magazine sales.
Hearst Magazines UK Digital Strategy Director, Rebecca Miskin, says: “Lee’s appointment is a pivotal and transformational moment for the Hearst business. Hearst UK’s digital offering combines curated-content, user-generated content, tools and transactions and Lee is a product-led, audience focused, commercial individual. He will be an invaluable member of the senior team and we’re extremely excited to have him on board as we lead this digital transformation.”
Lee Wilkinson says, "I am inspired by the vision and ambition the team at Hearst UK has for their market leading brands. This promises to be an exciting time for Hearst UK. I am delighted to be joining the team and being part of the development of some great digital products."
