Newtrade Media announces changes to its board of directors

After 24 years as chair of Newtrade Media’s Board, Mike Mitchelson has stepped down as a director of the company.

Newtrade Media is the publisher of industry titles including Better Retailing, RN, Retail Express, BetterWholesaling, Vape Retailer and The Retail Success Handbook. It also organises events including the Independent Achievers Academy and #RetailTogether.

Mike has steered the business from a position of publishing one magazine in 1996 to the fully-fledged media house with a multi-product portfolio that it is today. Mike said “It has been a privilege to have been a director of the company for the past 24 years and I am proud to have been associated with the company and its members of staff over the years.”

Along with Mike, Chris Collins and John MacLaren have also stepped down, with John stating, “I have very much enjoyed working with my fellow directors, the executive team and all the staff of Newtrade Media since my appointment in 2012. I believe we have built a successful and happy company which has delivered a better return to its shareholders.”

Under all their leadership, Newtrade Media has grown considerably and continues to do so, with recent news of RN magazine achieving a 3.8% year on year growth in ABC numbers.

In response to their departure, the Newtrade Media board are excited to announce the appointments of two new non-executive directors: Neil Jagger and Stephanie Rice.

Neil Jagger joins the business as the former COO of Reach PLC; general manager and group sales and marketing director at Trinity Mirror; and circulations director at the Daily Mail, and brings a wealth of operational, strategic and board-level experience to the organisation.

Neil said, “I am excited to be joining the board of Newtrade Media. Throughout my working career I have been an avid reader of Newtrade’s publications and websites and I am looking forward to working with Parin and the team to help to drive the strategy for both print and digital forward, particularly at a time when we can be of greatest value to the retail trade.”

Stephanie Rice has been working with Newtrade Media as a consultant since 2013 and has advised the executive team and board to help form brand and marketing strategies. Although Stephanie is not a new face to the company, she is very excited to be joining the board.

“I am delighted to be joining Newtrade Media as a non-executive director at such an exciting time. I have worked for the company for many years in a consultancy capacity which has allowed me to gain a real insight into the company and the team. I am looking forward to helping Newtrade Media achieve their vision.”

Stephanie’s experience in the convenience retail sector spans 35 years, where she has held positions such as marketing director and board member at Budgens.

In addition to the two new independent appointments, the board is also made up of NFRN (The Federation of Independent Retailers) elected members, consisting of: Steve Archer, Muntazir Dipoti (vice president, NFRN), Andrew Taylor (NEC, NFRN) and Kamal Thaker (national councillor, NFRN).

Parin Gohil, Newtrade Media managing director, said “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our departing board members and to wish them all the very best. I am very excited for the future of the company and where it is heading – the new appointments will not only keep the positive momentum going but also help to ensure we keep developing the company that we have grown in line with our vision and mission. Please join me in welcoming the new directors to the Newtrade Media family.”