Mike Soutar: Visionary Leader in Media and Business Transformation
From Smash Hits to The Apprentice — A Journey of Success, Setbacks, and Global Influence
Introduction
Mike Soutar is one of Britain’s most respected business figures, celebrated for his journey from teenage journalist in Dundee to influential media entrepreneur, CEO, and government advisor. His story embodies both the highs of disruptive innovation and the challenges of leading major organizations through change. Known to millions as a tough but fair interviewer on The Apprentice, Soutar has become a symbol of resilience, strategy, and leadership in business.
Before diving deeper into his professional milestones, here is a quick snapshot of his profile.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Mike Soutar |
| Nationality | British (Scottish) |
| Education | Glenrothes High School, Scotland (five Highers) |
| Career Start | DC Thomson, Dundee – teenage editorial roles |
| Key Companies | EMAP, IPC Media, Crash Test Media, Shortlist Media, Evening Standard |
| Known For | Co-founding Shortlist Media, Board roles, The Apprentice interviewer |
| Current Roles | Advisor, UK Board of Trade; Non-Executive Director at Scottish Rugby, V&A Dundee, LoopFX |
Early Life and Education
Mike Soutar was born and raised in Dundee, Scotland, later growing up in Fife. His academic path took him through Glenrothes High School, where he achieved five Scottish Highers before entering the workforce. Instead of pursuing university, Soutar threw himself directly into journalism, beginning with DC Thomson in Dundee, one of the UK’s most established publishers.
These early years shaped his practical approach to media and business — hands-on, fast-moving, and focused on results. His decision to bypass higher education in favor of real-world experience became a hallmark of his unconventional but highly effective career.
The Early Career in Media
First Steps in Publishing
Soutar’s career began with DC Thomson, where he performed small but valuable tasks such as writing horoscopes. This grounding in editorial work gave him insight into audience engagement, content production, and the mechanics of publishing.
His move to London in the late 1980s marked the start of his rapid rise through the UK’s media scene, where he would eventually lead some of the biggest magazine brands of the era.
Rise Through EMAP
At EMAP, a major UK media house, Soutar built his reputation as a leader and innovator. He became editor of Smash Hits in the early 1990s, then editor of FHM, transforming it into one of the UK’s most influential men’s lifestyle magazines. By the late 1990s, he had advanced to Managing Director of Kiss FM, where he oversaw the brand’s expansion into multi-platform broadcasting.
His career also crossed the Atlantic when he became Editor-in-Chief of Maxim (US edition), broadening his international perspective.
Leadership at IPC Media
In 2000, Mike Soutar joined the board of IPC Media, one of Britain’s largest publishing companies. Initially heading the men’s lifestyle division, he later became Group Editorial Director. He was a key member of the executive team during the sale of IPC to Time Warner, an experience that sharpened his expertise in corporate strategy, acquisitions, and media economics.
This role gave him both executive gravitas and board-level experience, preparing him for the entrepreneurial challenges ahead.
Entrepreneurial Journey
Crash Test Media
In 2006, Soutar co-founded Crash Test Media, a consultancy dedicated to helping media businesses innovate. Its focus was on creating new digital and print launches and reinvigorating established brands, showcasing Soutar’s knack for disruption.
Shortlist Media and Stylist Group
In 2007, Soutar co-founded Shortlist Media, later known as the Stylist Group. Starting with just five employees, the company launched ShortList, a free men’s lifestyle weekly that quickly became a market leader. Its sister publication, Stylist, launched in 2009, was hailed as the most influential magazine launch in years.
The group also expanded into newsletters, including Emerald Street and Mr Hyde, both of which gained cult followings. Under his leadership, the company won more than 80 awards, grew to 150+ staff, and made international expansions into France and the Middle East.
This entrepreneurial success story became one of Soutar’s defining legacies, cementing him as a pioneer in modern publishing.
The Apprentice and Media Profile
In 2011, Mike Soutar joined the panel of interviewers on BBC’s The Apprentice, where he remains one of the most recognizable faces. Known for his sharp questioning and forensic analysis of business plans, Soutar has challenged countless candidates with his no-nonsense style.
For viewers, his presence adds rigor and reality to the show’s final stages. For business leaders, his critiques provide a masterclass in how to dissect strategy, financials, and execution.
Executive Leadership at the Evening Standard
In 2019, Soutar was appointed the first-ever CEO of the Evening Standard newspaper. Tasked with turning around a business losing £30 million, he led significant cost restructuring and team reorganization.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, he oversaw one of the paper’s most radical transformations: shifting distribution from street vendors to home delivery, ensuring continuity during lockdowns. He stepped down in 2020 after stabilizing operations under unprecedented circumstances.
Current Roles and Board Appointments
Today, Mike Soutar balances multiple non-executive and advisory positions:
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Advisor, UK Board of Trade (2025–present) — supporting the UK government in promoting exports and global business growth.
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Independent Non-Executive Director, Scottish Rugby (since 2023) — helping oversee the sport’s commercial and strategic development.
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Non-Executive Director, LoopFX (since 2022) — guiding a fintech innovator in foreign exchange trading technology.
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Non-Executive Director, V&A Dundee (since 2022) — contributing to Scotland’s flagship design museum and cultural regeneration efforts.
These roles highlight his ongoing influence in business, culture, technology, and sport.
Recognition and Legacy
Mike Soutar’s contributions to publishing and entrepreneurship have been formally recognized with his induction into the PPA Scotland Hall of Fame in 2024. His legacy lies in bridging creative industries with business leadership, showing how innovation can thrive in both startups and legacy institutions.
Through The Apprentice, he has also influenced public perceptions of entrepreneurship, emphasizing clarity, numbers, and execution over empty promises. His legacy continues as both a mentor and a critical voice in British business.
Conclusion
Mike Soutar’s life and career illustrate the power of reinvention. From editing youth magazines to creating disruptive publishing ventures, leading a major London newspaper, and advising government boards, he has navigated both triumphs and crises. His story proves that true leadership is not about avoiding challenges but mastering them with resilience, vision, and adaptability.
FAQs
Who is Mike Soutar?
Mike Soutar is a British media executive, entrepreneur, and government advisor best known for co-founding Shortlist Media and serving as an interviewer on The Apprentice.
What is Mike Soutar known for?
He is known for his disruptive success with Shortlist and Stylist magazines, his leadership at IPC and the Evening Standard, and his role on The Apprentice.
What is his role on The Apprentice?
Since 2011, Soutar has been one of the final-stage interviewers, grilling candidates on their business plans with tough, detailed questions.
What are his current positions?
He is an Advisor to the UK Board of Trade and holds non-executive roles at Scottish Rugby, LoopFX, and V&A Dundee.
Why is he important in UK business?
Soutar’s impact spans media, entrepreneurship, sports governance, fintech, and government advisory. He is widely regarded as a thought leader in transformation and leadership.
