In the newly-created role, Martin joins Metro in January 2016 and will focus on delivering the newspaper’s digital content strategy. Key responsibilities include overseeing the tablet and phone editions and increasing the reach of Metro content via digital distribution platforms.
Martin joins Metro from City A.M. where he has overseen the trebling of monthly audience to their website, currently leads the digital commercial strategy - including the recent move to prevent people using ad blockers access to their site – and last year launched the City A.M. mobile app. His team was also recently shortlisted for Best Content Team at this year’s British Media Awards.
Prior to this, Martin spent six and a half years at Metro where he oversaw the rapid audience growth at metro.co.uk, which under his tenure became the fastest growing national newspaper website, say the publishers. As a qualified journalist, Martin brings to the new role an editorial perspective along with expertise in using new technology to create innovative ways of showcasing content.
Martin Ashplant said: “I am looking forward to returning to Metro in 2016 after a hugely rewarding time at City A.M, where I’ll be leaving behind an exceptionally talented team. There’s a fantastic opportunity at Metro to build on the success of the award-winning tablet edition and do something special in the mobile app space and I’m excited to get started.”
Phil Offord, Finance and Operations Director, Metro said: “We are delighted that Metro is to welcome Martin to our team once again. His appointment underlines our commitment to ensuring that Metro’s content reaches our growing audience however and wherever they want it.”
