Following ten 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 for the PPA 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.
