Mike Soutar Takes Over At IPC Music and Sport

IPC Music and Sport has moved to appoint Mike Soutar as managing director, after the news broke last week that Andy McDuff was quitting the post (see Appointments Brief). IPC chief executive Sly Bailey spoke of her confidence that Soutar will take the Music and Sport brands “to a new level”. Recent circulation difficulties and the resignation of several key staff will make this a challenge (see Feature: Staff Departures At IPC Music & Sport Follow Falling Circulations).

Soutar began his career as a music journalist, becoming the youngest ever editor of Smash Hits nine years ago. He went on to edit FHM following EMAP’s acquisition of the title in 1994 and increased circulation from 50,000 to 500,000. Following a stint as managing director of Kiss 100, he took on his most recent position in the US as editor-in-chief of Maxim. Here he has made the title the fastest growing in the history of US publishing.

IPC no doubt hope to buy into this successful track record, and the new role will see Soutar heading a portfolio including Loaded, NME and Later. He will also take on on-line brands nme.com and uploaded.com. Commenting on his latest appointment, Soutar said “The Music and Sport business already has several very strong products, and the potential for future growth is fantastic, particularly in the digital realm.”

IPC: 020 7261 5000