He is to be replaced by non-executive chairman Robin Miller, who has been with Emap since 1965 and was chief executive between 1985 and 1998.
Hand's resignation had been widely expected, because shareholders blamed him for massive losses as a result of buying the US publisher Petersen in 1998 for $1.2bn (£720m). The US division, which has been hit by falling advertising revenue and the slowing US economy, is now up for sale but is expected to be sold at a considerable discount.
The company made no announcement about the sale, but said, "The board continues to review its options in relation to Emap USA and confirms that an announcement in this regard will be made in the near future. However, in the meantime a decision has been taken to recognise the diminution in value compared to the original purchase price."
Emap's full-year earnings were in line with forecasts, with pre-tax profits up by 5% to £197m. Total revenues were up by 5% to £1.15bn. The company also took a £10m charge for restructuring its digital division earlier this year.
Miller said that the company started the new financial year "reasonably well", but admitted that the advertising outlook remains uncertain.