Popworld chief moves to 19

19 Entertainment has poached Popworld chief executive Martin Lowde to head its digital operations.

Lowde joins 19, the production and entertainment company headed by former Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller (pictured), as head of digital entertainment. He will be responsible for the company’s online content design and delivery.

His hiring underlines 19’s increasing commitment to digital media. It owns and manages a number of digital platforms including americanidol.com (American Idol), thedavidbeckhamacademy.com (David Beckham) and myearthdream.com (Honda Racing F1). A number of other digital properties are in development, a company spokesman adds.

Lowde has been chief executive of Popworld for two years, overseeing the re-launch of the Channel 4 music show. Previously, he was senior licensing and sponsorship executive at ITV. The Popworld brand now straddles TV, online, mobile and magazine publishing. It is recruiting a senior executive to replace Lowde.