The changes have been implemented by President, Hearst Magazines Europe, James Wildman. This is the first step in restructuring the European business which has market-leading brands and highly valuable audiences, to transform it into a more collaborative, future-facing media company. The changes will leverage the scale of Hearst Magazines Europe and will drive more aligned initiatives.

The European strategy will focus on three key commercial pillars: digital acceleration, revenue diversification and growing print share.

‘One Hearst Europe’ will operate through a cross-market structure that’s organised by function instead of country. Teams will continue to operate in their respective markets and manage separate country P&Ls with Country Managers leading efforts locally. However, there will be a move to four stronger and more collaborative European business divisions which will share best practice and drive partnership between markets. 

The four European divisions will be:

• Central Operations led by Claire Blunt, CFO/COO, Hearst UK, who will become Chief Financial, Operations & Data Officer (CFODO)
• Content and Consumer (B2C) led by Giacomo Moletto, CEO Western Europe, who will become Chief Operating Officer (COO)
• Marketing Solutions (B2B) led by James Wildman in the interim, alongside his overall European responsibilities
• People Team (Human Resources) led by Surinder Simmons, Chief People Officer (CPO), Hearst UK, who will become Chief People Officer, Hearst Europe

James Wildman, President, Hearst Europe, commented: “I am beyond proud to be leading Hearst Magazines Europe into this exciting new decade. I’m also delighted to unveil a new organisational structure that will underpin our future success across the region. By aligning our exceptional talent across our markets, we will become even more innovative and effective.”