Haymarket’s magazine distributor appoints new MD

Frontline Limited, the UK’s largest magazine distribution company, has appointed Frank Straetmans as its new managing director.

Frontline handles the 160 titles published by its owners – Bauer Consumer Magazines, BBC Worldwide, Haymarket Media Group and H Bauer.

Straetmans, a senior industry professional with more than 15 years’ experience in supply chain operations and business development, will join Frontline on December 1, 2009.

Kevin Costello, chairman of Frontline, chairman and managing director of Haymarket Consumer Media and chairman of Haymarket Network, said: “I and all my Board colleagues are delighted Frank has joined Frontline as MD. He is a highly skilled individual with a wealth of supply chain management experience across several industries. Frank is commercially focussed with impressive customer relationship skills and is passionate about our business. I am sure he will be a highly effective, hands-on leader and will take Frontline to the next phase of its development.”

Straetmans said: “I am delighted to be joining the Frontline team and relish the prospect of contributing to the future success of the UK’s biggest magazine distributor. While the current business environment is challenging, I am confident we are implementing the right processes to capitalise on a strong track record of providing innovative and effective magazine distribution solutions.

“I look forward to maintaining Frontline’s momentum, working closely with the publishers, the wholesale and retail community and of course my new colleagues to give every copy of each magazine the best opportunity of being sold. Hopefully I can add a new dimension and value to the excellent reputation and relationships the company already enjoys.”