Steve Auckland, the group chief executive of theEvening Standard, Independent and London Live parent company, is to step down after less than 18 months in the role.
Auckland’s departure comes a month after ESI Media sold off cut-price national newspaper the i and shut the print editions of the Independent and Independent on Sunday.
ESI Media has appointed group chief financial officer Manish Malhotra as group managing director on an interim basis, reporting to company chairman Justin Byam Shaw.
“ESI Media has undergone some substantial changes in the last 18 months, including the sale of the i newspaper and the move of the Independent and Independent on Sunday titles to a digital-only format,” said Lebedev. “Steve has made an enormous contribution by steering the group through these changes and into a strong position for the future.”
Auckland, who was responsible for whipping DMGT’s Northcliffe newspaper arm into shape before it was merged into Local World, began working for Lebedev’s media group in October 2014.
In February, Scotsman-owner Johnston Press acquired the i for £24.4m, a move that precipitated the closure of the Independent and Independent on Sunday print editions last month.
“‘I’ve enjoyed my brief but hectic stint at ESI Media,” said Auckland. “With the successful sale of i to Johnston Press, including a long-term syndication agreement, it’s a fitting time for me to move on. I’m leaving the business on a sounder financial footing.”
