Andrew Pemberton, a 20-year veteran of publishing and former executive of Panache Cyclewear, has been named chief executive officer of Pocket Outdoor Media, the holding company that publishes VeloNews, Triathlete, Women’s Running, Competitor and VeloPress books.
In this role, Pemberton replaces Felix Magowan, who will remain as co-chairman. Pemberton was interactive brand director for Magowan’s Inside Communications and publisher of VeloNews from 2007-2009.
Of the change, Magowan said, “The media landscape has shifted radically over the past few years and will continue to change. It’s become clear to me that our brands need someone who understands this new media ecosystem and what drives media success. During his 10 years as COO at a successful cycling start-up, Andy experienced the pressures and challenges facing manufacturers to reach customers in new ways. He is the right person at the right time to lead our media brands.”
“I grew up in a media family, and after I left VeloNews in 2009, I kept my eye on the business, as I helped launch and grow Panache Cyclewear,” said Pemberton. “I saw first-hand the pressures on consumer brands to adapt to the rise of social media, content marketing and advertising and public relations agencies, and I watched as legacy media struggled to adapt and stay relevant. As CEO, I will combine my media background with my experience launching a start-up cycling and triathlon brand to engineer a bold new strategy for Pocket Outdoor Media. The rules have changed. Media properties must adapt with purpose and conviction.”
