Time Out Group plc (AIM: TMO), the global media and entertainment business with food and cultural markets, announced today the appointment of Christine Petersen as CEO of its business division Time Out Digital, effective immediately and reporting into Time Out Group CEO Julio Bruno.
Christine brings a wealth of international experience in media, e-commerce and travel and has led global growth strategies for digital travel brands such as TripAdvisor where she was President of TripAdvisor for Business and Chief Marketing Officer. Her expertise will be invaluable in helping Time Out Group to leverage the growth opportunity within Time Out Digital, as it continues to execute upon its strategy to transact with its global monthly audience of 156 million both via e-commerce and advertising solutions across the brand’s multiple platforms.
Time Out Digital is the Group’s multi-platform media, entertainment and e-commerce business comprising online, mobile, social channels, magazines, international licensing agreements and Live Events. In 2016, it delivered digital revenue growth of 39% year-on-year, including e-commerce up 45% and digital advertising up 36%.
Julio Bruno, CEO of Time Out Group plc, said:
“I am delighted that Christine Petersen has joined us as CEO of Time Out Digital. I couldn’t think of anyone better to lead this business division. Her passion for the brand and her impressive experience will be invaluable for our continued growth. Christine will be key in driving our e-commerce strategy as we increasingly transact with our large global audience.”
Christine Petersen, CEO of Time Out Digital, said:
“Having picked up my first copy of the London magazine in 1984, I have always admired this iconic brand and love how millions of people around the world rely on Time Out to discover what the world’s greatest cities have to offer. I am truly excited to join Time Out Digital and I am looking forward to continuing its strong progress.
My priorities will be to ensure that what we do is relevant to consumers globally, whether that’s locals or travelers; continue to create unique, inspiring content and enable our audience that is already looking to spend to purchase from us; and to offer our advertising partners great solutions.”
Before joining Time Out Digital, Christine Petersen was involved with several early-stage start-ups and previously spent nearly a decade with TripAdvisor, serving as President of TripAdvisor for Business from 2010 to 2013 and as the company’s first Chief Marketing Officer overseeing marketing, product and partnerships from 2004 to 2010. Named one of the top 25 women in US travel in 2008 by Forbes Magazine, Christine also held a variety of management roles in digital travel and financial services companies, including Preview Travel, Travelocity (upon Preview Travel’s acquisition by Travelocity), Charles Schwab and Co., Fidelity Investments and American Express. Christine holds an MBA from Columbia University and a BA in Economics from Colby College. She is also a board member of Bankrate, Inc. (NYSE: RATE) and Realself, Inc. an early stage healthcare media company based in Seattle.
Christine was appointed a Non-Executive Director of the Board of Time Out Group in February 2016, and will continue to serve on the Board as an Executive Director in her newly appointed role.