“Simon came to tell me his decision in July and gave nine months’ notice. Despite my best efforts to change his mind, he is determined to put his feet up after a long and notably distinguished career,” commented Coleridge.
Coleridge added, “One of the most experienced and professional executives in the business, Simon has boundless enthusiasm for his clients and a gift for friendship. During his career, he must have attended (I estimate) at least 10,000 cosmetics and fashion launches; it is rare to arrive at one where Simon is not already present. He has a deep understanding of every aspect of magazine publishing, from marketing to circulation. Simon’s early career highlights include a stint as Publisher of Company magazine, and later Publishing Director of Hearst’s largest titles, Good Housekeeping and Cosmopolitan. For several years I had wanted to lure him over from Hearst to Condé Nast, and when the opportunity finally came, it was a lucky day for us. It is an understatement to say that Simon will be greatly missed. Fortunately we have another six months to go of his company and wisdom.”
Simon Kippin remarked, “My career in publishing has been a hugely rewarding experience. I’ve been lucky enough to have been involved with some of the best magazine brands, and of course my time helping launch and lead Glamour at the brilliant Condé Nast has been the absolute pinnacle of my career. I have worked with a huge array of talented, engaging and exciting people, both in publishing and within the industries we serve, and I am hugely grateful to them all for their partnership and friendship. I wish them all huge success, and most importantly, fun, in the years ahead. I’m equally lucky to have had the love and support of my wonderful wife Sarah throughout my career, and now she will have to get used to seeing more of me in the future!’’
Named Publisher of the Year at the PPA Awards in 2002, Simon was given the prestigious Gordon Whitehead Award by COPRA in 2010 for services to the beauty industry.
A succession plan will be announced in due course.
