Autocar magazine appoints Rachel Burgess

The publisher says that Burgess has worked at Autocar since 2016 and held various roles including news editor, deputy editor and executive editor. She previously worked for titles including Automotive Management (AM), AutoTrader and Business Car.

Rachel Burgess said: “Autocar is the world’s best car magazine, and to be given the chance to lead it into a new era at a time when the automotive industry is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation is an incredible honour.

“This is a brilliant team, and I can’t wait to continue to work with Mark [Tisshaw] and Steve [Cropley, editor-in-chief] to ensure that Autocar remains the go-to title for all car enthusiasts as the challenges and opportunities of electrification emerge.”

Burgess will lead a refresh of the magazine, the publisher added, working with Tisshaw, who will continue to oversee the brand’s full portfolio of digital and print products, and who has led the magazine to two ABC circulation rises during his tenure since 2017. Autocar’s current ABC is 19,100 issues a week.

Mark Tisshaw, added: “From the moment she joined Autocar, Rachel has stood out for her core journalistic integrity and ability, leadership and organisation – as well as a knack for asking the difficult questions of even its most senior leaders – and she will be a perfect editor to ensure the magazine thrives into the future. Editing Autocar magazine means working with the best team in the world and she has thoroughly earned this promotion.”

Rachael Prasher, managing director of Haymarket Automotive, which encompasses Autocar, said: “Making Rachel magazine editor was an easy decision. Whatever challenges she has undertaken in her six years with us, she has always exceeded expectations. She is a brilliant journalist and leader, as well as a brilliant colleague in the wider business. She has long been an inspiration to us, and I’ve no doubts she will bring new ideas to Autocar magazine while enjoying the support of Mark and the wider team.”