Barry McIlheney steps down as PPA CEO

The Professional Publishers Association (PPA) has announced that Barry McIlheney is to step down as CEO after 10 years in the role.

Following 10 years in the role, McIlheney will now take up a part-time consultancy position with the association and pursue his non-executive and writing career.

A new CEO will be appointed shortly and is expected to be in place for the annual PPA Festival in London on April 30.

Barry McIlheney says: “It has been a wonderful ride, but now is the right time for a change for both me and the PPA. My 10th anniversary seems like the perfect time to step back to a more supportive role here, and also to do all the other things I still want to do while I can.”

PPA Chairman and Immediate Media CEO Tom Bureau, adds: “Over the past 10 years, Barry has been an outstanding CEO. Membership and commercial partners have grown, he has developed the team, events and association profile. I am delighted that Barry will continue to share his expertise and knowledge.

“We have now begun the search for a new leader of the PPA to help support the industry, and set a new agenda for professional publishers around shared opportunities and challenges.”

Before joining the PPA, Barry McIlheney spent 20 years at emap, as Editor of Smash Hits and Empire; Publisher of titles including Q, Elle, and The Face; and Chief Executive and Editorial Director of a number of emap divisions. He was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in his native Ireland last year by Magazines Ireland for his contribution to the magazine industry both there and in the UK, and recently appointed as non-executive director of IPSO, the independent industry body for press regulation.