Alex Laybourne, Head of Marketing, has been chosen as one of sixteen emerging leaders shaping the future of publishing

We are thrilled to announce that Alex Laybourne, Head of Marketing for Haymarket Business Media, has been selected to join the PPA’s Next Gen Board. Chosen from a competitive field of applicants, Alex is one of sixteen rising stars under 35 who will collaborate with the main PPA board to help shape the future of the publishing sector. 

Launched in March 2023, the PPA’s Next Gen Board aims to foster inclusivity and diversity in the publishing industry by empowering younger voices with at least three years of experience. Each cohort serves for 18 months, and the program has been instrumental in shaping a more dynamic, forward-thinking industry.

Since joining Haymarket in 2017 as a Marketing Executive, Alex has rapidly progressed, taking on roles of increasing responsibility. He now leads marketing across subscriptions, events, awards, and forums, having reshaped the events team, driven growth for DCS, and introduced innovative subscription models like paid free trials. Notably, Alex stepped up as Acting Head of Marketing during COVID, a time of significant challenge, and has since earned multiple internal awards, including ‘Star Performer’ and ‘Innovator of the Year.’ Looking ahead, Alex aspires to further his impact by moving into a strategic leadership role within the business.

Speaking on his most recent achievement, Alex said: “Being named to be on the Next Gen Board is a huge milestone—both personally and professionally. It’s an exciting opportunity to grow alongside other forward-thinking leaders under the age of 35 while contributing strategically to the industry’s future.”

Matthew Griffith, Chief Marketing Officer for HBM said: “Alex has won multiple Haymarket Awards so it was no surprise but fantastic to hear that he’s been chosen for the PPA Next Gen Board.  They’ll benefit from Alex’s positive attitude, business understanding, hard work and all-round good-blokeness. I wish him good luck and I’m sure he’ll love learning from the experience.”

This is the second year of the PPA’s initiative, which continues to encourage diverse voices from across the sector to participate. Sajeeda Merali, CEO of the PPA, said: “The ambition of the Next Gen Board programme has been to break down traditional structures and empower a new generation of diverse voices to shape the future of our sector. This initiative has received an incredible response from the industry over the last 18 months, and we’re delighted to see a number of our member organisations follow suit with their own boards. The calibre of applications was incredibly high and it’s hugely encouraging to know the future of the sector will be steered by this talent in the coming years.” 

Last year, Haymarket’s Studio Manager Nav Pal was also selected for the Next Gen Board. She, along with another five members, is staying on for an additional six months to support the transition to the new cohort. Reflecting on her experience, Nav said: “The last 18 months have been an incredibly rewarding experience. I got to meet and work with a great group of people – many of whom I might never have encountered – and I’ve learnt more about the industry we are all part of. It’s been so fulfilling to see our projects take shape and come to life, knowing that we are making a meaningful impact on the future of publishing. I’m excited to follow the next cohort’s journey and see what else this initiative can accomplish.”

Congratulations Alex on this well-deserved recognition!

Find out more about the PPA here.

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Notes to Editors 

About Haymarket Media Group

Haymarket Media Group is a privately-owned media, data and information company, shaping a better future with remarkable content for specialist audiences across the world. The company has 1,300 employees across offices in the UK, US, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Germany and the Netherlands.

Haymarket’s portfolio consists of more than 70 market-leading brands including Campaign, Third Sector, What Car?, MyCME and Asian Investor.

Through live, digital, print, education, data, tech services, video and audio, Haymarket’s brands inspire, inform and empower clients and communities internationally.

www.haymarket.com.

Media Enquiries: Tara Geoghegan, Communications & Impact Manager, Haymarket Media Group, [email protected]