IPC hires chief from Flextech
IPC Magazines has found a replacement for publishing director Heather Love by appointing Flextech head of brand development Rita Lewis to the post.
Lewis, who was formerly managing director of the now defunct EMAP women’s group, and managing director of Playboy TV, will have responsibility for flagship title Marie Claire and its spin-off Marie Claire Health & Beauty. She will also oversee Woman’s Journal, Options and Mizz.
Lewis says: “There are very few positions that would have tempted me away from Flextech. Once you’re a magazine person, though, I think it stays in your heart. The timing for this position is good, with IPC preparing for flotation over the next few years.”
Lewis expects to join the company at the beginning of September. She will report to Chris Boyd, managing director of the SouthBank Group.
Her predecessor announced she was leaving IPC in March. In June it emerged that she would take up a consultancy role with the BBC.
Lewis is one of a number of high level IPC executives to leave the company since the 860m management buyout in January. Others include former Ideal Home editor-in-chief Sally O’Sullivan and circulation director David Greene (MW June 25).
