BBC Worldwide Press Releases

Lonely Planet has today announced Matthew Goldberg as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Reporting to Marcus Arthur, BBC Worldwide's MD of Global Brands, Goldberg will join the business in March 2009 and be responsible for leading Lonely Planet through the development and implementation of its multiplatform growth strategy as it aims to become the world's leading travel media organisation.

Goldberg joins Lonely Planet from Dow Jones, where he was Senior Vice President, Digital Strategy & Operations. In this role, he led business operations at the Wall Street Journal Digital Network, which includes WSJ.com, MarketWatch, Barrons.com, and AllThingsDigital.com and their associated mobile, video and international sites. During his tenure at Dow Jones Goldberg established and led a number of P&Ls, including all digital platforms and emerging media, television and radio distribution, book publishing, events, and integrated media sales and marketing.

Prior to joining Dow Jones Goldberg worked for multimedia publisher, Bertelsmann Inc, where he developed new direct-to-consumer services, launched cross-platform media efforts, and founded a team to pursue new business opportunities in high growth market segments through strategic alliances, joint ventures and investments.

On Goldberg's appointment, Marcus Arthur said, "Matt is a compelling candidate for this role. He has extensive experience in print and digital media and is a perfect fit for a company like Lonely Planet both culturally and commercially. I've no doubt that Matt's expertise will not only help maintain Lonely Planet's core business in printed travel guides, but will also seek to optimise opportunities in alternative media markets as the business enters the next phase of its digital development."

Matt Goldberg added, "I'm excited to be joining such a highly-regarded organisation. Lonely Planet is a brand that stands for quality and integrity. I look forward to the opportunity to work with a talented team to continue the company's leadership in print travel guides, while growing the business by reaching new audiences across all relevant platforms and channels."

Matthew will be based at Lonely Planet's head office in Melbourne, Australia.


Angela Wilkinson