Hurst will take up the post on January 3, following Stam's decision to retire after spending 16 years with the company, 10 of which he spent in the role as managing director. Hirst will also join the IPC Media board.
Hirst, who joined the company in 1992, is currently assistant managing director of Marketforce, IPC's newstrade sales, marketing and distribution company.
Prior to taking on the role of assistant managing director in 2005, Hirst spent four years as Marketforce's marketing services director.
In his role as assistant managing director, Hirst was responsible for leading the development and implementation of Quartz, the supply management system within the magazine system.
The appointment will involve Hirst overseeing all aspects of the distribution of IPC's entire portfolio of magazines, alongside a wide-range of other publishing clients, including Hachette Filipacchi, Reed Business Information and Future Publishing.
Sylvia Auton, IPC Media chief executive, said: "Anybody who has worked with Stephen knows he is a class act.
"The UK consumer market has never been more competitive than it is today, not least at the newsstand. Stephen's drive and tenacity, and his clear strategic insight and vision will be a valuable addition to the IPC Media board."
Stam will continue as a consultant to IPC, representing it on industry committees including the Periodical Publishers Association and the Audit Bureau of Circulations. He is currently a member of the ABC Council and a director of ABC.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the business to further growth and, in particular, to drive improved sales and better levels of service for our publishing and retail partners," Hirst said.
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