• by Gavin O'Malley  @mp_gavin, October 20, 2010

Time Inc. on Wednesday named Sports Illustrated executive Ken Fuchs as its new VP of emerging platforms for business development.

In his new role, Fuchs will be expected to lead Time Inc.'s development of distribution arrangements with companies for emerging digital platforms, including tablets, and will work to establish guidelines for Time Inc.'s digital subscription model.

Fuchs most recently served as VP and GM for the Sports Illustrated Digital Group, managed the interactive focus of the flagship magazine and its Web site, and ran GOLF.com, FanNation.com, DanPatrick.com and SIKids.com, along with their associated mobile, social and other digital extensions.

"Sports Illustrated has been very innovative in the development and distribution of new products and experiences," said Fuchs. "By working on the ground to help launch these products and establish key partnerships I've been given a front row seat."

The appointment comes on the heels of a reorganization at Time Inc.'s consumer marketing unit, and the creation of a digital marketing and business development group.

Also on Wednesday, Time Inc.'s recently appointed CEO Jack Griffin named publishing consultant Peter Kreisky as a senior adviser, with a particular focus on digital.

"This is an important time for Time Inc. in this arena," Steve Sachs Time Inc.'s EVP for consumer marketing, said in an internal memo regarding the company's digital strategy.

"We are creating guidelines and company-wide standards that will shape our dealings with external partners and the way our content is distributed and enjoyed by our consumers," Sachs explained. "These guidelines include our digital subscription model, as we work to continue to add value to our relationships with consumers and allow them to access our content across many platforms."

Meanwhile, Time Inc. is actively looking to appoint a digital marketing and business development SVP as part of consumer marketing.

Fuchs will report directly to this soon-to-be-named SVP, according to a company spokeswoman.

How does Fuchs feel about the tablet market beginning to open up, as Verizon's Android-operated Samsung Galaxy Tab is poised to take on Apple's iPad?

"Time Inc. sees a great opportunity on tablets and other platforms," said Fuchs. "It also benefits advertisers with a more engaging, interactive and measurable consumer experience."