In a media career spanning three decades, Soutar has worked as a senior executive across print, digital and broadcast, both in the UK and internationally. He starts in the newly created role on 7th October.
Starting his career in journalism, Soutar was a multi-award-winning magazine editor of leading print titles ranging from Smash Hits to FHM. He was also Managing Director of Kiss FM and was a board director at IPC Media (now TI Media) for six years. In 2007, he co-founded the free distribution magazine, digital and events start-up, Shortlist Media. As Chief Executive he drove its development, and in 2016 he oversaw the sale of the business. Soutar has also been Chairman and a non-executive board member of several organisations.
On his appointment, Mike Soutar, CEO of the Evening Standard, said, "I’ve been a regular reader of the Evening Standard since the late 1980s when I first moved to London. It is the city's heartbeat – a Londoner’s essential source of news, entertainment, listings and inspiration. Its quality journalism reaches unparalleled numbers of influential and affluent readers in print every weekday and it touches millions more through its website and other platforms. I look forward to working with the talented team at the Evening Standard to grow an even stronger business that will continue to play a central role in shaping and reporting the cultural and political development of the greatest city in the world."
Evgeny Lebedev, owner of the Evening Standard, said, “The Evening Standard is an iconic and prestigious brand that has strong growth potential across multiple platforms. We are delighted that Mike has joined the Evening Standard at this important time for the company and wider industry and are confident that his vast media experience and leadership skills will make a great success of this new role.”
