A former editor who was the first woman president of the Society of Editors has lost her job as a lifestyle magazine boss despite presiding over a sales increase.

Liz Page was editor of the then York Evening Press from 1996 to 2003 and subsequently publisher of parent company Newsquest (York).

Three years ago she became Northern regional managing director of lifestyle magazine publisher Archant Life, but today the company announced it was scrapping its regional management structure, with Liz the highest-profile casualty.

Ironically the move comes just days after Lancashire Life and Cheshire Life, two of the titles that came under Liz’s control, posted sales increases in the latest round of ABC circulation figures.

Archant Life has also confirmed today that of four of its other monthly titles – Shropshire Life, Staffordshire County, Birmingham Life and Herefordshire Life – are set to be published annually.

Liz, pictured above in her newspaper editing days, was the SoE’s first woman President in 2001-2002 and also served on its board for several years.

Archant Lifestyle managing director Johnny Hustler said today: “During her time in Life’s North business Liz has made an enormous difference.”

He said she had strengthened the reputation of the company’s Northern titles and managed the transition of Wedding Link into Archant whilst successful launching North East Life.

The other existing Archant regional MDs have all been given the roles in the restructured operation.

Suzanne Heaven takes the role of publishing director, responsible for editorial content, while Tim Thurston becomes commercial director.

Mr Hustler said: “We are moving away from a regional management structure and adopting a functional management structure with our activities being divided between senior managers responsible for an individual specialism right across the county business.

“Through these changes, I believe we can introduce a greater level of shared best practice across the company and establish a more focused approach to growing the advertising market share of our fantastic county magazines.”

Announcing the changes in frequency for the four monthly titles, Mr Thursston said: “We have identified the need to reduce the cost base for Shropshire Life, Staffordshire County, Birmingham Life and Herefordshire Life.

“To achieve this we have proposed reducing their frequency from monthly to annual publication and are currently consulting staff about this.”

Comments

Rob (17/02/2009 17:30:14)
For someone who is supposed to be in an industry where clear communication is part and parcel of the jobJohnny Hustler shows a real knack for it….
“We are moving away from a regional management structure and adopting a functional management structure with our activities being divided between senior managers responsible for an individual specialism right across the county business.
“Through these changes, I believe we can introduce a greater level of shared best practice across the company and establish a more focused approach to growing the advertising market share of our fantastic county magazines.”
Management consultants everywhere will understand that.