The details of Davies’ exit from the newspapers have not yet been confirmed, but a source told Media Week the decision between Davies and Andrew Mullins, managing director of the London Evening Standard and Independent Newspapers, was entirely "mutual and amicable".
The source said: "Simon came in to do a job and once that job was done, both he and Andy felt it was time for him to move on. There is no animosity."
Melanie Danks, deputy ad director at Independent Newspapers, will assume Davies' duties as commercial director.
There are no plans to replace Davies, who is expected to take a break from media to pursue interests outside the industry.
Davies’ departure, which was confirmed to staff this afternoon, comes shortly before the completion of Mullins’ strategic review of the Standard and Independent newspaper businesses, due to be revealed in September.
Davies joined Independent Newspapers as commercial director in September last year, replacing Daryl Fielding.
He joined the Independent from the position of ad director at the London Evening Standard, where he was replaced by his deputy ad director Jon O’Donnell.
Prior to joining the Standard, Davies was advertising director at the Mail on Sunday, a posiition he held for four years before joining the Standard in 2008.
Davies said: "I am very proud of my team and the work we have done and wish the Independent all the best for the future."
.jpg)
.jpg)