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ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Worldwide has today promoted Marcus Arthur to its Board, appointing him as Managing Director, Global Brands.

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Currently Managing Director, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Magazines (London) & Digital Delivery, Arthur will report directly in to John Smith, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Worldwide's Chief Executive.

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In his new role, effective 31 March 2008, Arthur will continue to lead on the strategy, implementation and development of all ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Worldwide's passion sites, including , and .

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He will also assume management responsibility for both the Top Gear brand, one of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Worldwide's most important and fast-growing properties, and Lonely Planet, the leading travel information group which ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Worldwide acquired in October 2007.

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Etienne de Villiers, Non-executive Chairman of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Worldwide, commented: "As ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Worldwide continues to build its position as a major global media company, it is vital to establish and nurture our key brands across all platforms.

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"Marcus's appointment to the Board gives two of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Worldwide'sÌý success stories a forceful and dynamic champion, paving the way for continued growth and development."

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John Smith, Chief Executive, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Worldwide, said: "Marcus's strategic insight, ability to cut through complex situations and proven team leadership skills will be invaluable as we build our top brands globally. He has already done a tremendous job leading the roll-out of our passion sites and will, I know, be a huge asset to our Board."

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Marcus Arthur, Managing Director, Global Brands added: "This is a wonderful opportunity for me and all the many people committed to delivering on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Worldwide's ambitious growth strategy.

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"In addition to my continued leadership of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Worldwide's passion sites, I look forward to working with Adam Waddell and his team as we underline Top Gear's position as the world’s leading motoring media brand.

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"I'm also delighted to be steering the Lonely Planet business in the next phase of its growth and working closely with Judy Slatyer, Lonely Planet’s CEO, to identify even more synergies."

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Marcus Arthur began his career in advertising sales for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Good Food at Redwood Publishing, which was then majority-owned by ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Magazines.

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When ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Worldwide brought all its titles in-house, Arthur became publisher of the Food Group of Magazines in 1997 and over the next three years added Gardening, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½s and Top Gear titles to his brief.

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In 2002 Radio Times was added to his responsibilities, and in 2005 he was promoted to Managing Director, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Magazines (London).

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Last year Marcus added Digital Delivery to his portfolio, overseeing delivery of the infrastructure for all ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Worldwide’s passion sites.

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Ali Jeremy / Jennie Allen

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