At Hachette, Bell was responsible for Elle and Red and has also worked for the BBC, FT.com and Music Choice TV. Before that, he spent the first 12 years of his marketing career at Unilever before moving into media.
As well as the marketing of the two papers and Times Online, he will also oversee retail trade marketing, circulation, promotions, brand communications, subscriptions and online marketing.
Bell replaces Andrew Mullins, who was promoted to general manager in July when Paul Hayes moved up to the role of managing director of Times Newspapers. Bell will report directly to Hayes.
Hayes said: "He brings with him a wealth of relevant marketing experience from the blue-chip and media sectors, both of which will stand him in good stead at Times Newspapers.
"His experience of digital media is particularly relevant and I am very excited about the knowledge and expertise he will bring to the company. The Times, The Sunday Times and Times Online are all leading quality brands within their respective sectors and I am looking forward to working with Simon to build on this success."
In its most recent set of ABC figures published on November 11, The Times passed a milestone with a 0.58% rise to 703,492 and The Sunday Times rose 2.08% to 1.404m.
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