Astor Media has appointed Adrian Simpson (pictured) as editor at large, joining its automotive division to support content development, audience engagement and the rollout of new multimedia formats across the group’s motoring titles.
Simpson will work across Business Motoring, Business Vans, Motor Trade News, Leasing Broker News and The Haulier, contributing to editorial strategy while also fronting Astor Media’s upcoming podcast and webinar series.
He will also lead the group’s expansion into video reviews, drawing on his broadcast experience to bring greater visibility and personality to the brand portfolio.
A familiar face to UK audiences, Simpson’s broadcasting career spans ‘Top Gear‘, ‘Fifth Gear‘, ‘Police Camera Action!’, ‘Sky News‘, ‘Fightback Britain‘ and ‘A Place in the Sun‘.
Before moving into television, he worked as a road tester and motoring journalist for Auto Express, and contributed to BBC’s Top Gear Magazine and The Daily Telegraph.
Simpson is also the founder of a global digital speechwriting business, AllSpeeches.
Over more than a decade, he has gained hands-on expertise in SEO, digital marketing, CRM systems, automated workflows and AI-enhanced content creation. He will continue to lead the business alongside his role with Astor Media.
He also brings commercial and event production experience, having worked on creative campaigns and content strategy for both media and brand clients.
Ryan Fowler, managing director at Astor Media, said: “Adrian’s background speaks for itself, but it’s the breadth of his experience that makes him such a valuable addition to our team.
“He understands how to connect with an audience and create content that feels both smart and accessible.
“He also knows the automotive market well, and that insight will help us shape content that’s relevant and effective.
“As we expand our editorial formats, particularly in video and audio, Adrian will play a central role in bringing those ideas to life.”
Jessica Bird, group editorial director at Astor Media, added: “Adrian brings a rare combination of authority and approachability that fits perfectly with our ambitions for the automotive titles.
“His insight and delivery will help us expand how we tell stories, particularly through formats that are becoming increasingly important to our audience.”
Simpson said: “With many years in written and broadcast journalism, I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to work with Astor Media, and bring a new and fresh approach to its automotive titles.”
The first of Astor Media’s automotive podcasts and video reviews will launch in the autumn.
