Bauer Media appoints Nicola Bates as publishing commercial chief

Bauer Media has hired Nicola Bates as group managing director, commercial, for its UK publishing unit.

Bates will be tasked with leading a team of 120 commercial specialists focused on delivering print, digital and event revenues for Bauer’s publishing brands.

She will report to Chris Duncan, CEO of UK publishing.

Bauer publishing brands include Heat, Grazia, Empire and TV Choice.

Bates’ previous stints at Bauer during the last decade include as managing director of specialist and food brands and as head of marketing for UK publishing.

She has also worked at Dennis Publishing and was most recently CEO of automotive media company Autovia, which she joined in 2021.

“I’m really pleased to welcome Nicola back to Bauer,” said Duncan. “She brings a great track record of delivering sustainable growth for publishing brands across many disciplines, which includes building meaningful partnerships with commercial partners.”

Bates added: “The business provides commercial partners with a great reach and a real breadth of opportunities. I’m looking forward to working with the rest of the leadership team to maximise these opportunities.”