Dennis launches new product development unit

by Darren Davidson, Brand Republic 29-Nov-07, 10:45

LONDON - Dennis Publishing has launched a new product development unit headed up by Bruce Sandall, managing director of the company's lifestyle division.

Sandall will add the new role to his management responsibilities at Dennis Lifestyle, but he will relinquish day-to-day duties on Maxim.

Responsibility for Maxim will be passed onto Simon Clark, publishing director, who will add the titles to Bizarre and Mens Fitness, which he already oversees.

The ten-strong New Product Development team has been created to identify new opportunities that will lead to sustainable media businesses.

It will incorporate Dennis Skunkworks, the dedicated website development team within Dennis.

Skunkworks, which was launched in November 2006, has launched a number of websites including denofgeek.com and knowyourmobile.com.

James Tye, chief executive of Dennis Publishing, said: "Dennis Publishing has always been a company where we can pick up a great idea and just run with it. Our 21st century approach to publishing means we can launch products on any number of platforms and find a relevant and engaged audience for our advertisers."

Sandell, who has been with Dennis for 18 years and will now take the title of managing director of Dennis Lifestyle/New Product Development, said: "2008 will be the year of new product development for Dennis.

"This is part of the long-term plan for growing the company and there has never been a better time to do it, we are in great shape and poised for growth with the wealth of new ideas coming forward from the team to develop."