FT promotes Grimshaw to FT.com managing director

by Jacquie Bowser Brand Republic 21-May-08, 12:00

LONDON - The Financial Times has promoted Rob Grimshaw, its global online advertising director, to managing director of FT.com.

Grimshaw, who starts his new role on June 1, will be the board representative for FT.com, responsible for its commercial performance and overall strategy.

He will work closely with James Montgomery, editor of FT.com, who will take the lead in the design of the site, as well as its editorial content.

Grimshaw joined the FT in 1998 and has held various positions, including client sales manager and head of client sales and key accounts.

He was promoted in 2005 to head of global advertising strategy and operations, which was a newly-created role at the time.

As a member of the FT.com executive management team, Grimshaw has been involved in the development of the new access model and planned site enhancements.

He was also part of the team that developed the strategy behind the Financial Times' multi-channel business and managed the transition of readers and advertisers online.

John Ridding, chief executive of the FT, said: "This is an important and exciting time for FT.com. We have gained good momentum, with revenues rising by 40% over the past year, and traffic increasing by more than 80%.

"Rob's appointment will help sustain our online momentum as we enter the next phase of FT.com's development."