The Standard says James has been instrumental in the evolution of the Evening Standard, including the move to a free newspaper, the launch of a digital portfolio and steering the business through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under James’ leadership, the commercial team has provided multi-platform partnerships to global brands, while delivering innovation in the legacy print advertising business, added the publisher.
For the wider ESI group, James played an important role in the Independent’s transition to a digital pure play in 2015, doubling revenues to £40m in 2020 and helping secure the £25m sale of the i news brand, the publisher continued.
Albert Read, executive chairman of The Standard said: “While we will be sad to see James leave, I would like to thank him for his endless energy, passion and the commercial leadership he has shown across the last two decades. On behalf of the whole company, we wish James all the best for the future and are excited to see what he does next.”
James White, chief commercial officer at The Standard, said: “While I will miss the business, and more importantly the people within in it, I am incredibly proud of the continuous commercial innovation we have delivered. This was achieved with a brilliant and dedicated team who were able to ensure the Standard remained relevant and essential throughout rapid market change. As we approach our 200-year anniversary with an exciting new print and digital portfolio, The Standard is now well placed to thrive.”
White will remain with the business until the end of November to bed in the new structure.
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