Bauer Media has appointed Nicola Bates as Managing Director of a newly-created Hobbies portfolio. This brings together a wide variety of titles; Country Walking, Trail magazine, Trail Running, Bird Watching, Digital Photo and Practical Photography, Steam Railway and Model Rail, Your Horse, Practical Fishkeeping and Pet Product Marketing and their brand extensions, including the Your Horse Live event.

Nicola has previously worked in marketing and circulation roles and as a publisher for Dennis publishing in London, during which time she successfully launched a number of new websites and magazines, including Cyclist.

Rob Munro-Hall, Group Managing Director of Bauer Magazines UK said: “I’m really pleased that Nicola is joining us. She is a proven publisher with lots of relevant experience and a great track record. She completely understands how specialist titles engage deeply with their audiences and create opportunities for multiple touchpoints and transactions.”

Nicola Bates comments: “I’m hugely excited to be working across so many brands that have such a deep connection with their consumers. These are businesses that I believe can grow across different platforms and I’m looking forward to working with such talented and knowledgeable teams.”

In addition, Patrick Horton takes on an expanded role as Managing Director of Bauer’s Music, Film and Sports titles with responsibility for EMPIRE, MOJO, Q and Kerrang! in addition to angling, golf and football brands, including Angling Times and Today’s Golfer.  

Kim Slaney becomes Managing Director of Leisure and Maturity, incorporating Bauer’s 50+ brand Yours in addition to gardening and leisure brands including Garden News, Garden Answers, Modern Gardens, Mother & Baby, Top Santé and LandScape.

Nicola Bates starts her new role on Monday 4 July.