Peter was chosen from an exceptional pool of candidates from both inside and outside the company, and succeeds Tim Brooks who is stepping down after four years as CEO, says the publisher.
Peter joined the company in 2007 as Publishing Director with responsibility for BMJ’s journals programme. Since then, the number of journals published has increased from 28 to over 60, and he and his team have achieved nine consecutive years of top and bottom line growth.
Earlier this year, he was promoted to Director of Learning & Publishing, expanding his responsibilities to include BMJ Learning & On Examination in addition to the Journals portfolio and BMJ Careers.
Peter started his publishing career in sales and marketing roles. He moved to the US to launch the North American commercial operations of The Lancet, and later worked at Nature Publishing Group, managing a list of specialty medical journals.
Peter is also Chairman of the Association of Learned & Professional Society Publishers (ALPSP) and has served on the board of STM - the International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers.
Welcoming the appointment, Jay Lippincott, BMJ Chairman said: “Peter is a thoughtful commercial leader who has distinguished himself by significantly growing the business for which he is responsible while sensibly managing costs.”
He added: “His strong commitment to BMJ’s mission and values and his appreciation that our goals can only be realized if we continue to strengthen our financial foundation, combined with his effective leadership and record of accomplishment, are what distinguished his candidacy. I am confident that he will be successful in his new role.”
Peter Ashman said: “I am passionate about everything that BMJ stands for - it’s an excellent company and BMJ is one of the most recognisable and influential brands in the world. I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to play an expanded role as we aim to achieve our vision of A Healthier World.”
Between now and the end of the year Peter will be working with current CEO, Tim Brooks, to ensure a smooth transition.
