Anna Jones to step down as Hearst UK CEO

After two and half years in the top job, Anna Jones is to leave Hearst UK, it has been announced.

Jones will step down from her role as CEO in February 2017 to co-found AllBright – a new funding platform for female-led businesses in the UK. She will also become executive chairman of ShareStyle, a new marketplace for style services.

In a note to staff, Jones said: “As those of you who have worked closely with me know, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial streak and this is why I am now leaving to start up two new businesses.

“Although I am sad to be leaving Hearst, I am also confident that I leave the company exceptionally well-positioned for the future. Our brands go from strength to strength and our strategy of extending them into new areas is yielding incredible results.

“Whoever leads the business next will find so many things to be proud of and a strong foundation on which to build for the future.”

Hearst Magazines UK publishes well-known brands including Cosmopolitan, Digital Spy, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping and Harper’s Bazaar.

Jones first joined the publisher as chief operating officer in 2011 before becoming CEO in April 2014. She is co-founding AllBright with entrepreneur Debbie Wosskow, who is also CEO at Love Home Swap.

Hearst said the search for a replacement is already under way.