IPC Southbank Appoints Ideal Home Editorial Director

IPC Southbank has appointed Isobel McKenzie-Price as editorial director of Ideal Home and the division’s online homes portal launch.

McKenzie-Price is currently editor of Time Inc’s All You in the US and this appointment heralds her return to these shores and to IPC Media, where she spent several years in senior editorial roles.

Jackie Newcombe, managing director of IPC Southbank, said: “I know that I speak for the whole of Southbank when I say that we are truly thrilled to be welcoming Isobel back, following her highly successful time in the US.

“Southbank is the outright leader in the homes sector and Ideal Home is the star performing brand. Who better to take the helm of our flagship title and launch the country’s biggest homes portal? Isobel exudes passion for this market, both online and offline and she will undoubtedly strengthen our position in what is a key market for us.”

McKenzie-Price added: “Ideal Home is a fabulous magazine to edit, and with the launch of the new homes portal, it can only become stronger. In the US, great websites have driven growth in iconic print brands, and Ideal Home, already number one in a highly competitive market, has the same exciting potential.

The homes portal is a project that we’ve had on the drawing board for some years, waiting for the right moment to launch. I’m thrilled that it is taking shape at the perfect time when consumers in the market are so hungry for an online experience that offers them inspiration for every room in the house.”

IPC’s homes portal launches in May and McKenzie-Price takes up her new position in July. She replaces Sue Rose who is leaving after three years as editor.

Ideal Home has seen an almost 6% year on year downturn to leave its total at less than 232,000. The title reported an ABC of almost 260,500 for July to December 2004.

IPC Media: 0870 4445000 www.ipcmedia.com