In a surprise move, Webster, who has spent 18 years at IPC Media, is to move to the role of executive vice-president of the lifestyle division at Time Inc, the parent company of IPC.
The move, according to one industry source, is a promotion for Webster, who took over from Auton as chief executive of IPC Media in 2008.
The role that Webster is taking at Time Inc is similar to the one that Auton has held for four years in the US.
However, in addition Auton held the role of chairman of IPC Media, a position she will continue to hold as well as being chief executive.
Auton will return to the UK in January next year to resume her role as chief executive of the publisher of titles including Loaded, Look and NME.
Webster will report to Jack Griffin, chief executive of Time Inc, which is a subsidiary of the media giant Time Warner.
Time Inc publishes titles including Time magazine and Sports Illustrated.
Webster said: "I am thrilled to have been offered the opportunity to join Time Inc's senior team as EVP of the Lifestyle Division."
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