Mumbrella co-founder Martin Lane leaving in March to set up publishing and events consultancy
Mumbrella co-founder and CEO Martin Lane is leaving the business at the end of March to launch his own publishing and events consultancy.
Lane started Mumbrella with co-founder Tim Burrowes in 2008, heading up the commercial side of the business, and grew it to become Australia’s leading publishing and events company specialising in the media and marketing sector.
Lane will depart Mumbrella at the end of March, 2020
The pair sold the business to Diversified Communications in December 2017 for an undisclosed sum.
Lane said: “I’ve worked with some incredibly talented and hard-working people over the last 11 years to create something we should all be proud of.
“When we sold the business we were determined to choose a partner who would respect the editorial integrity of our products and support the team to help them grow.
“Diversified has never wavered in its commitment to the Mumbrella brand which has continued to go from strength to strength under its stewardship.”
Lane is currently working with Diversified’s senior management team as it transitions to a more hands-on approach to running the business.
On his new venture, Lane said: “Publishers have a unique relationship with their audiences but they don’t always generate the best commercial return. We aim to share proven strategies that can help monetise content and readership. We’ll also launch a few events of our own.”
Diversified Communications Australia managing director David Longman said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Martin for the last two years. We are immensely proud to have Mumbrella within our portfolio and look forward to building on his legacy in the months and years ahead.”
As well as the website and e-newsletters, Mumbrella’s products include events Mumbrella360, the Mumbrella Awards, Publish, CommsCon and the Mumbrella Marketing Summits. In 2019, it added subscription service Mumbrella Pro and a series of industry retreats for senior media and marketing professionals to its portfolio.
I’m still on holiday til next week, but wanted to jump in with first comment.
If there is an injustice in the Mumbrella story, it is that Martin does not receive the public credit he deserves as co-founder.
Martin’s part in our journey has not always been as visible to the outside world as those of us with bylines.
But as those inside the company know, without Martin leading the commercial operation, Mumbrella never would have become a successful business, let alone pulled off the exit we achieved two years ago. At best, we might have become a moderately popular blog employing a couple of writers; more likely we’d have gone broke years ago.
Martin was never allowed to enter the Publish Awards because we organise them. It’s a pity – I’m sure he’d have won Publisher of the Year many times over.
Martin – Mumbrella would not exist without you.
It’s been a helluva partnership. Thank you.
Tim Burrowes
Co-founder – Mumbrella
So does this mean the average age in Mumbrella’s office has halved?
Good luck with the stand-up career.
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Hi Martin you’ve been brilliant to work with over the years. Best of luck with next.
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Well said Tim. I have nothing but praise for Martin.
Go well Martin. Enjoyed (mostly 😉 ) being a small part of the journey.
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Happy to jump in on the 2nd comment!
Agree with Tim, Martin is a rockstar! All the best to you mate.
Jules (from Cape Town)
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Martin
Deserved accolades for a great bloke.
When you get a moment get in touch with me at The Tax Institute.
Look forward to catching up.
G
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Unsung star of Mumbrella, Martin’s been such a great support over the years, he will be missed.
Even if you didn’t know he was there most of the time.
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What great news for Martin (but sad news for us).
Martin, you are an absolute pleasure to deal henever we have partnered with Mumbrella with so thank you!
Best wishes for the next big adventure.
Kim
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Hi,
What is the best way of connecting with Martin?
AJ
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Hi AJ
I’m here until the end of March, or you can get me via LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-lane-0283b84/
Cheers
Martin
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Could not have said it better. One helluva partnership. Was a pleasure to have played a tiny part in the story. Best of luck to you both.
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Not only is martin a top man, but has the best hair in media, publishing and events bar none. See you soon, mate. Leigh
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Good on you Martin, a very astute and thoughtful businessman….
Plus, a Top Bloke who creates energy in everything you are involved in…
Speak soon
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