Marie Claire editor and managing director depart after print closure
Marie Claire has lost two of its most senior staffers in wake of the decision to end its print edition to focus on digital.
Trish Halpin (left) and Justin Southall (right) depart Marie Claire
Editor-in-chief Trish Halpin (above, left), who was appointed in 2009, and managing director Justine Southall (above, right), who joined in 2011, both announced plans to step down from the publisher in the next six weeks.
It comes shortly after the surprise decision to shutter its print edition after 31 years. At the time, it was reported that owner TI Media had entered into consultation with the approximately 35 members of staff that would be affected by the closure.
Halpin said she will leave at the end of September while Southall will exit on 31 October.
TI Media said a new leadership for the digital business will be announced “in due course”.
Chief executive Marcus Rich added: “Under Trish and Justine’s leadership, Marie Claire has continually set the agenda through its award-winning content, trailblazing campaigns and innovative brand extensions.
“Together with the Marie Claire UK team, they have shaped a legacy that will continue to inform this famous brand’s digital-first strategy. I would like to thank them both for the significant part they have played in the Marie Claire UK story and wish them all the very best with their future plans.”
The most recent ABC figures for Marie Claire's print run, published for the last six months of 2018, show that the magazine had an average circulation of 120,000 a month; although 35% of those copies were given away for free. Online, Marie Claire claims to reach 2 million monthly readers.
But its future looks dependent on an affiliate-supported shopping platform The Marie Claire Edit, set up by Halpin and Southall, which lets customers search 6000 brands featured by the title.
TI claimed the Edit will become its "biggest source of digital revenue" and will be the benefactor of further investment.
“I feel incredibly proud to have been one of the custodians of this powerful brand and to have worked with such a talented and passionate team across the Marie Claire business,” Halpin said.
“Marie Claire has been championing, challenging and entertaining women in the UK for 31 years and continues to be a voice for women's equality and empowerment in a world where these values are increasingly under threat. The inclusive global philosophy of the Marie Claire brand extends beyond fashion and zeitgeist, it stands for something that is timeless and still urgently relevant.”
Southall added: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to have edited Marie Claire for the past 10 years and work with so many talented and creative contributors as well as commercial partners who have shared and supported our vision. Marie Claire has been at the forefront of so many vital conversations and I know it will continue to do so in its digital-first future. I wish all the team well in continuing Marie Claire’s incredible legacy.”