The management changes follow the integration of IPC into AOL Time Warner and come ahead of what IPC chief executive Sly Bailey says will be a period of new launches and development.
"We are focused on building our position as a creative and innovative media business, and a key part of this will be a significant new magazine development and launch programme," Bailey said.
Soutar, who is currently managing director of IPC ignite!, becomes editorial director for the entire IPC business. In his new role, the former FHM editor will lead IPC's innovation process and be responsible for the development of new magazine brands across the group. In addition, he will retain responsibility for Wallpaper.
According to Bailey: "I'm delighted that IPC now has Mike as its editorial director. He is unique in that he is both a highly creative editor, as well as an astute commercial operator. I can't think of anyone better to lead IPC's innovation agenda."
Soutar joined the board of IPC two-and-a-half years ago as managing director of its men's lifestyle and entertainment division, IPC ignite!. He also became managing director of the Wallpaper Group after its move to IPC at the beginning of this year.
Brown's board appointment is the first for a marketer in the company and IPC says it reflects the importance of marketing in the company's growth strategy. She was appointed group marketing director in May 2000 and has since driven a significant marketing focus across the entire business.
"This is crucial to our future success and will be a key focus for IPC's marketing team," Brown said.
Significantly, Brown is focused on building marketing partnerships with other divisions within the AOL Time Warner organisation. Last month, IPC was voted as one of the Top 20 Best Marketing Employers in the UK by Brand Republic sister title Marketing.
According to Bailey: "This is a richly-deserved appointment for Philippa. She has worked extremely hard at delivering a first-class marketing operation for our business and she will be key in developing and supporting our brands of the future."
Tim Brooks moves from managing director of IPC SouthBank to become managing director of IPC ignite!. He also retains responsibility for the company's division in Australia. Brooks became managing director of SouthBank in September 2000. Prior to this, he spent almost 10 years with Emap in a variety of senior publishing roles.
Sandy Whetton, currently managing director of Raven Fox, the travel and retail division of Euromoney Institutional Investor, returns to IPC as managing director of IPC SouthBank. Whetton formerly worked for the company in the 80s and 90s, reaching publishing director level. He left in 1998 to become president of OAG Worldwide, the worldwide airline schedules information business.
All of the appointments are effective from January, with the exception of Whetton who will join IPC in spring 2003.
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