Highlights & Insights – Ben Chesters, Hearst UK
Ben Chesters – MD Clients, UK & Global, Hearst UK
Q1: It’s been a busy year, what have been some of the highlights from your business in 2024?
Choosing just a few is a tough ask, but a key theme has been our unwavering commitment to building even deeper relationships with our loyal communities and unlocking brand-led premium opportunities for our valued partners.
From launching our VIP membership proposition across four of our brands to creating new bespoke licensing deals (more on that below). From developing innovative editorial enterprises to hosting a range of world-class events, it’s been a big year.
It would also be remiss of me not to mention the 100th anniversary of Britain’s trusted consumer champion, the Good Housekeeping Institute, which has been marking the occasion with a host of strategic developments.
Q2: What are some of the standout commercial partnerships from this year?
Through our events, we’ve partnered with the likes of The Platinum Card® By American Express on the Harper’s Bazaar’s Women of the Year Awards, BMW on the ELLE Style Awards, and the Samsung Galaxy Ring on The Bazaar at Work Summit.
On the licensing front, Prima joined forces with Ambassador Cruise Line to curate a crafting cruise experience and Harper’s Bazaar has collaborated with Cunard to curate exclusive wellness programmes.
Elsewhere, Women’s Health and Vodafone came together to spotlight the Welsh Women’s rugby team ahead of this year’s Six Nations. Enhancing the visibility and impact of women’s sport will continue to be a priority focus for 2025, and we have news of an exciting partnership with Sky Media we’ll be taking to market next year.
Q3: What are your top priorities for 2025?
We’ll be broadening our solution offering and shouting even louder about the opportunities our magazine brands bring to the marketing mix. I’m also keen to get out and see even more of our partners. It’s the bit I still love most about this role.
Finally, keep your eyes peeled for Hearst Collective…
Q4: What are you most looking forward to over the festive break?
2024 has been pretty full-on, so I’m looking forward to a well-deserved break – spending some time with my family and recharging the batteries so I come back refreshed and raring to go again. The Chesters have a host of festive activities planned – carols at St Paul’s, skating at Somerset House, and watching Mufasa: The Lion King at the IMAX.
Dare I say, I’m also hoping Liverpool can stay top of the Premier League…
