According to BBC Magazines, Top Gear magazine leapfrogged FHM last year as the UK's most widely read men’s monthly (National Readership Survey) and recorded its 12th consecutive circulation increase in the most recent ABC results, selling more than twice the amount of its nearest competitor.
McNicholas claimed several industry awards during his tenure at NME including PPA Consumer Magazine Editor of the Year and the British Society of Magazine Editors (BSME) Entertainment Magazine Editor of the Year in 2005. He was this year elected Chairman of the BSME.
This is the second senior editorial appointment at BBC Magazines within a month, following the recent announcement that Ben Preston is to succeed Gill Hudson as Radio Times editor. McNicholas will take up the role in the next few months.
Top Gear’s MD Adam Waddell said: “I’m delighted to have one of the leading lights of the entertainment publishing sector on board. The mix of entertainment and cars he’ll bring, not to mention his award-winning editorial skills, are a perfect fit for Top Gear Magazine.”
Conor McNicholas said: “Anyone who knows me knows that my twin passions are music and cars. To swap one dream job for another is a huge thrill. From Arctic Monkeys to Aston Martin, I’m looking forward to being at the heart of another iconic British multi-platform brand.”
McNicholas replaces Michael Harvey, who stepped down as editor in April to pursue a freelance career whilst continuing to act as an editorial consultant on the title.
