±±¾©Èü³µpk10

Southall will be leaving her role as group publishing director of the young women's group at Natmags, which covers Company, She and Zest magazines.

Jessica Burley, managing director of NatMags, will take over Southall's position until a permanent replacement is found.

Adcock said: "I'm desperately sorry to be leaving NatMags after 14 years, but especially sad to leave my role on Cosmo. However, I have been unwell for much of 2007, which unfortunately resulted in my contracting pneumonia.

"As a result I have decided, with 23 years in magazines and the media under my belt, that now is a good time to take a short break in my career, take time to recover fully and enjoy a rare opportunity to spend some time with my kids and husband."

But Adcock intends on returning to work as soon as possible, albeit in a different role.

Duncan Edwards, chief executive of NatMags, said: "I am excited to be announcing the appointment of Justine to head-up Cosmo, but at the same time I am disappointed to be losing Jan after so many years.

"[Jan] has been a wonderful colleague and contributor to the business. I do, however, respect her decision to step down."