Helen has an extensive career in publishing having begun her career at Gerald Duckworth and Faber & Faber. Helen moved to The Economist in 1985 as marketing manager, became managing director of The Economist Intelligence Unit in 1993 and in 1997 became chief executive of The Economist Group. Helen saw the publication's circulation increase by almost 50 per cent and the company's operating profit rise by 75 per cent. She also led the magazine's expansion internationally.
Helen has led a publishing and media business through times of transition to digital media, successfully focusing on profit growth and return to shareholders. Helen was chief executive for 11 years until she stepped down in June 2008. She was awarded a CBE for services to publishing in 2004.
In addition to her experience at the helm of an international business, Helen also has extensive board experience across a range of sectors. She was a non-executive director at Northern Foods plc (1994-2002) and at BT plc (1998-2002). She is currently non-executive director and chair of the remuneration committee at Centrica plc (2003) and Rolls-Royce Group plc (2007). In 2008, Helen became vice-president of the CBI and senior adviser to Bain Capital. Helen is also senior Trustee of the Tate Gallery. In 2009 she became president of the CBI and joined the Board of the Port of London Authority.
Helen obtained an MBA from INSEAD in 1984 and is currently chair of the Business Advisory Council of the Said Business School, Oxford University.
Tim Weller, Group CEO Incisive Media, said: "Helen has had an enormously successful career in our industry and brings to Incisive Media a wealth of direct experience. I am delighted that she is to join our Board as Chairman and I am confident that her very considerable media experience will benefit Incisive Media as we continue to develop our business and pursue our international growth strategy."
Helen Alexander, Chairman, said: "I have followed Incisive Media's development with interest. I am excited to have this opportunity to work with Tim, the management team and shareholders and hope to contribute positively to the stewardship and growth of the business, particularly in the development of digital products and services. Incisive Media is in prime position to take advantage of the difficult market conditions and accelerate its growth given its leading market position."
About Incisive Media
Incisive says: “Incisive Media is a leading global provider of specialist business news and information, in print, in person and online. The company's principal markets include financial services, legal and accounting services, marketing services, technology and risk management. Incisive Media's market-leading brands include Accountancy Age, Search Engine Strategies, Computer Active, Investment Week, Legal Week, Post, Risk and V3.co.uk.”
