Speculation about who would replace Bailey, who quit IPC for the chief executive post at Trinity Mirror, has been gathering pace in recent weeks, with a number of internal candidates reported to be in the running.
Auton's appointment is likely to come as a surprise after reports linked more high-profile candidates such as IPC group editorial director Mike Soutar, IPC Advertising managing director Georgina Crace and Linda Genower, managing director of IPC Connect, to the role. However, IPC managed to keep Auton's name away from the headlines.
Auton joined IPC in 1977 and held a number of senior roles before becoming managing director of Country & Leisure Media in 1998, overseeing titles such as Shooting Times and Country Life.
Michael Pepe, the outgoing CEO and president of IPC parent Time, owned by AOL Time Warner, had been overseeing IPC Media since Bailey's departure.
When Pepe steps down in April, he will not be replaced and Auton will report directly to Time executive vice-president and chief financial officer Richard Atkinson.
Atkinson said: "Sylvia is a dedicated and gifted manager who has always commanded the respect, admiration and loyalty of her staff. She's truly a consummate publishing professional with the experience, skill and vision to lead IPC smartly forward."
IPC Media was acquired by AOL Time Warner in October 2001 for £1.1bn.
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