The routeone sales team will soon see change with the departure of Commercial Manager Daniel Lunn, longstanding leader of that function. His decision will conclude almost 21 years with the industry-leading magazine and website since the brand’s inception.
Mr Lunn leaves publisher Diversified Communications in early August to take up the position of Commercial Manager with specialist agency C9 Recruitment, which counts coach and bus as key among sectors in which it provides staffing solutions.
As a result, Matthew Woodley – currently Senior Account Manager – will step up to take Mr Lunn’s place as Commercial Manager and lead the routeone sales team. He will work with Jade Gray, who moves from her current role as Sales Administrator to the position of Sales Executive.
Mr Woodley has been with Diversified for five years and Ms Gray for 10. Both will also support Sales Manager Martin Laverton on efforts for the Euro Bus Expo trade show and the routeone Awards. Recruitment is currently underway for a Sales Administrator.
As a member of the team that launched routeone in November 2003, Mr Lunn has been credited for his pivotal part in its growth to become the coach and bus industry’s leading multi-format media source, and his contribution to the routeone Awards having become the sector’s leading recognition scheme.
“routeone has been a significant part of my existence for nearly half of my lifetime,” he explains. “Professionally, it stands as my proudest accomplishment. After almost 21 years, producing 882 issues and countless incredible experiences, it is time for me to move on.
“Throughout my publishing career, I have had the privilege of meeting and working with some remarkable individuals. I leave routeone in a strong position, supported by a fantastic team. routeone is a publication that the industry should take great pride in. I am confident that it will continue to serve the market at the highest level.
“I am excited to join C9 Recruitment as its Commercial Manager on 12 August, where I will work alongside CEO Sam Wharfe and the senior management team.”
Diversified Communications Managing Director Carsten Holm has acknowledged the commitment shown by Mr Lunn and the results delivered during his tenure. “Daniel has played a key role in the development of routeone over the years, and I have always been impressed with his passion for the UK coach and bus industry,” says Mr Holm.
“I am immensely grateful for his friendship and support since Expo Management joined Diversified in 2014, but after 21 years in the same role, I can understand the need for change. I wish him every success with this exciting new challenge and I look forward to working with Matthew as he takes over the sales reins of the industry’s favourite magazine.”
Group Director Helen Conway has thanked Mr Lunn for his over two decades of work for Diversified and its predecessor Expo Management.
“After nearly 21 remarkable years, it is hard to believe that we are saying farewell to Daniel. His dedication and passion have left an indelible mark on routeone, and as he moves on, we are reminded of the countless contributions and the legacy of excellence that he leaves behind.
“Looking ahead, we stand on the strong foundations that Daniel has nurtured and helped to build. Matthew and Jade will continue to work with our clients, embracing the same level of commitment and vigour.
“We are grateful for the years of service, the memories and the laughs along the way with Daniel. Here’s to new beginnings and the assurance that the future is bright, both for Daniel in his new role and for routeone, which he has so profoundly impacted.”
Mr Woodley brings wide experience in sales and other areas to the Commercial Manager position.
Speaking about his promotion, he says: “I am excited to be stepping into the role of routeone Commercial Manager, taking over from the legacy that Daniel has carved out in a distinguished 21-year career.
“I am looking forward to forging strong working relationships with not only our longstanding customers, but also clients looking to maximise their exposure within the coach and bus industry using routeone as their go-to advertising provider.”
- Contact Matthew Woodley via mwoodley@divcom.co.uk and Jade Gray at jgray@divcom.co.uk; for Euro Bus Expo and routeone Awards sales enquiries, contact Martin Laverton at mlaverton@divcom.co.uk
