Bauer Media has appointed James Eppinger to the newly created role of agency group head of digital.

He will be responsible for managing the publisher’s online sales team, which includes digital account directors Fiza Khan, Richard McGrath and Tatiana Osei.

Reporting to Richard Phillips, head of digital sales, Eppinger will recruit three account managers to the digital sales team.

He joins from sales house Gorilla Nation Media, where he was deputy sales director and acting head of the UK operation.

Recently Bauer Media, which includes titles Grazia, Closer and FHM, lost a number of high-profile digital executives including group digital MD Tony Kypreos and digital marketing director Carl Lyons (nma 4 February 2010).

Phillips said, “James brings a wealth of experience to this new role and will be the driving force behind a more externally focused sales strategy, ensuring we service our agencies and clients better.”

Bauer Media said it’s also recruiting for the role of senior creative director.

“Digital remains a key area for growth and we’ll continue to invest in digital to bring our brands to life on platforms that extend our reach and deepen our engagement with audiences,” added Phillips.