Emap takes Guardian chief

Emap’s Performance Network has poached the Guardian’s Stephen Palmer to become the new division’s first marketing director.

Palmer is currently marketing director at Guardian Newspapers and has been eight years at the group.

At Performance, he will be given overall responsibility for extending the network’s brands, which include all Emap’s music interests, such as Q, Smash Hits, Kiss, Magic and satellite TV station The Box.

The network has already begun developing a range of brand extensions such as club nights for Kiss and Mixmag, Magic compilation albums and a raft of online offerings. Other new projects likely to launch this year include the Kiss digital TV channel and new digital radio stations.

“This is one of the only jobs I would leave for,” said Palmer. “Performance has some great brands. The way it’s gone about doing things is the future of the media.”

Palmer will report to Dee Ford, recently made managing director of the Performance Network (Media Week, January 14).

“Palmer will be responsible for marketing the world’s most potent mix of music brands,” said chief executive Tim Schoonmaker. “We hired him for his reputation and his track record.”

Palmer’s move follows a reshuffle at The Guardian’s marketing department. Alison Hall was promoted to deputy marketing director from head of planning and research and Niall Murdoch was charged with exploring new online marketing opportunities. He was previously marketing manager.