Zillah Byng-Thorne

Zillah Byng-Thorne, a publishing and media executive, transformed Future PLC from a struggling entity to a billion-dollar success story. She shares insights from her journey, including her humble beginnings and how she became a CFO by age 30. Zillah discusses the drastic measures taken to save Future from bankruptcy, such as workforce reductions and shifting to subscriptions. She emphasizes the importance of culture, open communication, and strategic acquisitions, highlighting her belief in continual learning and balance, both personally and professionally.

Zillah Byng-Thorne, CEO of Future, the UK’s largest magazine publisher, shares her insights on navigating the ever-changing landscape of the publishing industry. She discusses innovative strategies to adapt to digital demands while maintaining a passion for print. The conversation touches on the shift towards subscription models, the balancing act between quality content and profitability, and the importance of integrating team culture after COVID-19. With valuable perspectives on audience engagement, Byng-Thorne highlights the future of magazines in a competitive market.