Social publisher, the Hook, has recruited Bauer Media’s Jonny Silver as head of communications to develop and drive a multi-layered corporate and consumer PR strategy. The move follows a series of high profile talent hires across the business as the brand enters a new phase of growth and evolution.

Launched in 2014, the Hook has rapidly grown into one of the largest youth entertainment and comedy publishers on social, entertaining 10m  fans and growing. While some social publishers have chosen to lead with third party content, the Hook have built their 52% male and 48% female 18-35 (18-24 core) audience on original content, utilising their in-house production and script writing teams to cover key passion points of popular culture – movies, music, comedy, gaming and trending topics.

In early 2017, the Hook Labs was launched, a social media agency which leverages their team of experts in social and creative to help brands achieve similar success. They provide brands with creative and production, influencer marketing and a distribution service that goes beyond the Hook’s owned and operated pages and outlets, matching the best possible distribution channels to individual campaign requirements.

Some of the Hook Labs’ recent brand partners include the likes of Sony Pictures, Apple Music, Bandai Namco, Bethesda, Magners, Heineken, Lionsgate, GiffGaff, OldSpice, Hyundai, SEGA and Samsung.

Silver joined Absolute Radio in 2010 before Bauer Media’s acquisition of the station three years later which saw him promoted to head of communications for the group. His remit covered 81 stations including national brands Magic Radio, KISS, heat, Kerrang! Radio and the Bauer City Network, Bauer’s network of market leading regional radio stations.   

Silver says, “The Hook is probably the biggest social publisher that you’ve not heard of and the Hook Labs have delivered and continue to create some of the best branded content I’ve seen. I’m really looking forward to building out the Hook’s trade and consumer presence in the market and help the team get the recognition that they deserve.”

The Hook co-founder, Andy Fidler adds, “We’d reached the stage where we felt we were ready to bring in PR resource to help take the Hook to the next level and we’re over the moon to have Jonny at the helm.” 

Jonny’s role as head of communications at the Hook will take effect immediately.