PPA appoints McIlheney as new chief exec

The Periodical Publishers Association (PPA) has appointed the former Smash Hits editor Barry McIlheney as its new chief executive.

McIlheney, who will take on the role in February, finally provides a replacement for Jonathan Shephard, who left the trade body last September.

McIlheney has more than 25 years experience in magazines and newspapers, including working for the weekly music magazine Melody Maker, FHM and Zoo magazines, and heading up Emap’s Metro division.

He joins the magazine body at a crucial time, with another round of redundancies expected at the PPA’s central London office.

Peter Phippen, chairman of the PPA, admitted that it has been a “difficult period” for the body, but said he welcomes McIlheney’s appointment.

“I’m excited that we are able to announce the appointment of Barry, who I am confident will rapidly restore the reputation of the PPA as one of the UK’s best trade associations,” he said.