Dominic Rowell, a key member of travel media organization Lonely Planet’s senior executive team since September 2008, has been named the company’s managing director of digital. The company has already been making great strides on the digital front,  having released its first iPad app — “1000 Ultimate Experiences” — in April 2010, as well as its Discover eBooks range in August 2010. So far, more than five million Lonely Planet iPhone apps have been downloaded.

Rowell welcomes his new position, saying:

I am excited to step into this new role at Lonely Planet. We are making progress across all aspects of our digital business and I’m looking forward to building on the  foundations we now have in place to deepen our connection with travelers via online services, wireless devices and through our growing community of followers.

Previously, Rowell has worked at PepsiCo, Sainsbury’s, Carphone Warehouse and McDonalds.