Condé Nast has a new president; is hosting a fashion festival; is opening themed restaurants and has branched out into education. 

Previously Condé Nast's UK managing director, Nicholas Coleridge has now assumed the newly created position of president, international operations. During Coleridge's tenure the magazines and websites have won over a hundred awards for excellence. He was named a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2009 for services to magazine publishing and in the past 12 months has overseen Condé Nast's development of tablet editions.

Vogue, in collaboration with mobile phone manufacturer Vertu, will host a two day festival in London during April, showcasing fashion films, performances and debate, featuring designers, photographers and models.

Editor of British Vogue Alexandra Shulman said: "I am tremendously excited about putting together this Vogue Festival which will be the first of its kind to allow the general public to see and hear some of the world's greatest fashion talent speaking, as well as to engage in many interesting issues that fashion and style raises."

In another first, the Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design in London will welcome 300 students in September this year. Under principal Susie Forbes, the college will offer short courses, year-long foundation studies and MA degrees.

Yet further innovative joint ventures and brand extension is underway in the form of branded restaurants in unusual locations. Condé Nast is working in partnership with the Otrada Luxury Group in the Ukraine and the Dogus Group in Turkey, to launch bars and cafes targeting HNW individuals.

Stuart Nielsen, director of restaurants for Condé Nast International, said: "Turkey and the Ukraine are both exciting emerging markets with a strong appetite for luxury brands in retail and hospitality. Vogue Café and GQ Bar address this powerful consumer desire."

Further new venues will be announced in the coming months, including Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.