Sylvia Auton to retire as CEO of IPC Media

Sylvia Auton, Chairman and CEO of IPC Media, is to retire after 36 years with the company.

Auton, who is 63, joined IPC in 1977 as a marketer and worked her way up through the ranks, before being appointed as CEO in 2003.

During her time there, she was part of the Board team that developed strategy and business under the Cinven-backed management buy-out from Reed Elsevier, and also played a vital part in the acquisition of IPC Media by Time Warner, valued at £1.15 billion.

In 2007, she becamse Vice President of Time Inc. based in New York, before returning to the UK in 2011 to resume her role as CEO.

“One of the best things about being part of the media industry has always been – and continues to be – the opportunity to grow within it, and during these 36 years, I’ve been part of as dramatic an evolution as you’ll find in any business anywhere,” Auton said.

“With vision, with the best people working as a team, with great brands and with hard, hard work, IPC has become one of the most successful and influential media companies in the UK, a company that leads the way in creativity, innovation and market insight.

“I am proud to have been part of the IPC story and proud of all the people I have had the privilege to work with. I will miss them, and the many people I have known across the industry, and I will continue to follow IPC’s life closely – after all, how could I not?”

Evelyn Webster, Executive Vice President of Time Inc said that Auton was a true inspiration to many and transformed IPC into the company that it is today.

“Sylvia has always believed passionately in IPC’s brands, its people and its potential, and she has worked tirelessly to drive the company’s transformation,” she said.

“On behalf of Time Inc. I would like to thank Sylvia for her incredible contribution. And personally, I would like to thank her for her support, her wisdom, and her friendship.”

Sylvia Auton will step down from her role at IPC Media on 3 May 2013.