Leading factual content powerhouse Zinc Media Group has announced that Damon Westbury is to be the new managing director of Zinc Communicate.

Westbury, who previously led The European Broadcaster Exchange and prior to that held senior commercial roles at Clear Channel, Microsoft Advertising, handbag.com, Carlton and Fox Kids, will spearhead the growth and repositioning of Zinc Communicate. His core responsibilities across its three business units will include leveraging Zinc Media’s rich heritage in factual TV production to build Zinc Communicate’s position as a branded content ‘agency of change’ and drive growth of advertiser funded programming.

He will grow the well-established Zinc Communicate Publishing Division, launching new titles, building advertising revenues and expanding the commercial team. Westbury will also develop the Zinc communicate corporate video division, creating quality corporate films for UK and International trade bodies, associations and their members.

Mark Browning, CEO of Zinc Media Group, says, “The rise of conscious consumerism means that brand purpose is now at the forefront of brands’, CEO’s and Marketing Directors’ minds. Zinc Communicate has been extremely successful in helping brands drive positive change through authentic social campaigns and is now pushing further forward with a focus on content with brand purpose. The recent shift in consumers’ desires means there is a new opportunity for Zinc Communicate in this area.

Westbury has a wealth of experience working with brands at the highest level: as co-founder of buyfair.global, he led relationships with premium brands and the organisation’s expansion into new markets; as Interim Managing Director at European Broadcaster Exchange, he led the first-of-a-kind joint venture marketplace funded by Europe’s big five broadcasters; and whilst International Sales Director at Clear Channel, Westbury grew international sales and agreed the single largest Global media partnership in Clear Channel history.

His career also includes eight years at Microsoft Advertising, where he rose to become Director Global Agencies and Accounts; Sales Director at handbag.com; Head of Sponsorship Sales at Carlton Interactive Media (ITV); and Head of Client Sales for Fox Kids Europe.

Damon Westbury says: “I’m thrilled to join the newly enlarged Zinc Communicate as Managing Director, working with Mark and the wider team to deliver Zinc Media’s transformation plan.