±±¾©Èü³µpk10

Blackburn, who is currently the deputy editor of IPC title Woman, will begin her new role on March 10.

She will be responsible for leading the 42-strong Now editorial team and will report directly to Andrew Sumner, publishing director.

Blackburn joined IPC Connect in November 2005, as part of the development team for the 2006 re-launch of Woman.

Prior to joining IPC, Blackburn worked in a variety of senior roles across titles, including the Daily Mail's Femail and Reveal (UK), TV Week, Vogue Living and the Australian edition of New Woman.

Sumner said: "Editing Now is, without doubt, one of the biggest jobs in magazines and in Abigail we've got an editor with a profound understanding of the women's weekly market, who's brimming with ideas to take the brand to the next level across all platforms."

Now has weekly circulation of 470,290 copies, according to the latest ABC figures.

Blackburn said: "I am thrilled to be taking the helm at Now, the original celebrity news weekly. The woman's weekly market is my true passion, so the chance to edit such a fantastic brand and lead one of the most talented and experienced teams in this sector is an absolute honour."

Helen Johnston left Now in December to work on a new launch project, just seven months after she joined the women's weekly in April of last year. She took over from Jane Ennis, the title's editor since its launch in 1996.