Banjo has led Hearst UK’s Women’s Lifestyle portfolio as portfolio director since December 2023, overseeing the strategic and business direction of Prima, Cosmopolitan and Red. During this time, the portfolio has launched four membership propositions in 12 months - Prima membership, Made Club, Club Cosmo and Love Red- and developed partnership and diversified revenues through initiatives including Red Shops, Prima at Sea, Cosmopolitan Boots Beauty Box and a multi-brand partnership with Intrepid Travel.
She has also championed editorial initiatives recognised for their impact, including the Cosmopolitan Black Beauty Hub, End 1861 and Prima Community Knits.
In her new role, Hearst UK says Banjo will oversee both the Women’s Lifestyle and Health & Wellness portfolios, working with editorial, commercial and customer teams to support their continued development and growth. Claire Sanderson, editor-in-chief of Women’s Health UK and Men’s Health UK, and Andy Dixon, editor-in-chief of Runner’s World UK, will report to Banjo, alongside her existing Women’s Lifestyle team.
Banjo, a marketer by background, brings more than a decade of leadership experience to the role. Before joining Hearst UK, she spent 15 years at News UK, working across The Times, The Sun, Virgin Radio and talkSPORT in marketing, operations, events and commercial roles.
Katie Vanneck-Smith, CEO of Hearst UK, said: “Natasha has made a significant contribution to the growth of our Women’s Lifestyle portfolio. She combines strong commercial instincts with a clear understanding of how our brands can build deeper relationships with their audiences. I’m delighted she will bring that experience to both Women’s Lifestyle and Health & Wellness, and help lead their continued development.”
Natasha Banjo, general manager, women’s lifestyle and health & wellness at Hearst UK, said: “I’m excited to take on this new challenge at such an important time for both portfolios. Women’s Lifestyle and Health & Wellness are home to iconic, trusted brands with strong relationships with their customers. I’m looking forward to working with our editorial, commercial and customer teams to build on that strength, develop new opportunities and support sustainable growth.”
Banjo took up the role in September 2026.
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