Below is the memo to FT staff, from Ben Hughes, Global Commercial Director and Deputy Chief Executive: After 30 years of exceptional service to the FT, Julia Carrick OBE has decided to leave the company to pursue new ventures within her expertise of luxury. Her final day at the FT will be Friday, 10 April 2015.
During the course of her employment with the FT, Julia has played a fundamental role in establishing and driving the FT’s global luxury goods proposition to become one of the largest and most respected industry platforms for global luxury brands. In addition to her contribution in changing the face of the Weekend FT, Julia was also instrumental in initiating new sections within the FT such as “Collecting, Styles & Fashion” and the production of the inaugural Watch and Jewellery Report in 1986. Her most accomplished success during her career at the FT was her conception, founding and publishing of the multi-award winning supplement ‘How to Spend It’ which has become a global market leader and which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year.
Julia has also been instrumental in the outstanding commercial success of the ‘How To Spend It’ brand globally, sourcing new business opportunities and partnerships, and seeking new ways to monetise the brand beyond advertising revenues. Her recent achievements have included the partnership with Il Sole 24 Ore to produce an Italian language edition of ‘How To Spend It’ which was launched successfully last September.
Julia’s insight, forward thinking and her ability to deliver has helped to change the face of luxury lifestyle newspaper publishing as well as that of the British Luxury industry; achievements that culminated in her being appointed an OBE last year.
Julia leaves the FT with our sincere thanks and admiration and with our very best wishes for the future.
