Bauer Media Group (BMG) has announced that joint Publishing UK co-CEOs, Helen Morris and Steve Prentice are stepping down from their roles and will leave the business on 30 June 2026. Helen and Steve feel that now is a natural moment to hand over to new leadership to implement the strategy and lead the next phase of success.
Amrit Baidwan, currently general manager, Digital Publishing UK, will be appointed CEO, UK Publishing effective from 16 June. She will report to president Publishing & CEO Publishing Germany, Ingo Klinge, and sit on the publishing leadership team. Rob Aherne, currently transformation director Publishing, will step into a new role of COO, UK Publishing, also effective from 16 June.
Helen Morris joined Bauer Media in 2005 where she expanded her portfolio as group managing director to include all lifestyle and entertainment brands including Grazia, Empire, MOJO, TV Choice, and Bella among others before becoming Co-CEO with Steve Prentice in 2024.
Steve Prentice returned to Bauer as group managing director for Special Interest and Puzzles in June 2021 having previously spent 15 years with the business including stints as managing director of Sport and director of Publishing.
In recent years together, Helen and Steve helped Publishing UK navigate changing market conditions by establishing a new operating process for editorial teams, and together they’ve played a significant part in positioning Bauer Media Group’s UK publishing activities for sustainable long-term success, says the company.
Amrit Baidwan joined Bauer Media Group in July 2025, bringing with her a wealth of experience across the full breadth of publishing - with a proven track record of shaping and delivering high-impact strategies for leading brands such as Auto Express, CarWow, CarBuyer and EVO.
Since joining Bauer Media, the company says Amrit has made a significant impact, demonstrating strong leadership and a clear vision and strategy for the business. She is also recognised across the industry representing Bauer Media at the IAB UK, AOP and PPA, and mentors emerging leaders through the PPA Next Generation Board - a reflection of her deep commitment to the industry and the people shaping it.
Rob Aherne has been a part of Bauer Media Group for 13 years and has held several leadership positions across Publishing. Most recently as Transformation Director Publishing, Rob has led major transformation programmes across publishing and is focused on addressing the impact of the rapid rise of AI on how audiences' access and engage with content, added Bauer Media.
Publishing remains a strong and leading business for Bauer Media Group. As one of Europe’s largest magazine publishers, the company continues to shape the future of the industry with a view to creating a more focused, efficient and economically sustainable setup.
Ingo Klinge, president Publishing & CEO Publishing Germany: “I would like to thank Helen and Steve for their dedication, passion and contribution to Bauer Media Group and the Publishing business. With strong groundwork in place, together, Amrit and Rob will bring fresh perspectives and ambition to the UK Publishing business, ensuring that we are laying the right strategic foundation for our future success, with a focus on evolving our culture into one of collaboration and innovation.”
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