• by Ray Schultz , Columnist, March 20, 2024

Fortune Media, publisher of the U.S.-based business title Fortune, has commenced a major expansion in the UK and Europe. 

To start with, it has hired Alex Wood Morton, who previously served as managing director and Europe editor for Forbes. as executive editor for Fortune Europe. He will oversee editorial across print, digital and live events.

Also joining Fortune is Grethe Schepers, former director of research for Fidelity International in London, as list director, Europe. Schepers will produce Fortune 500 Europe and 100 Best Companies to Work For, Europe lists this year.  

In another key hire, Irena Raltcheva has been named as commercial director, Europe. Raltcheva will lead Fortune’s sales team in search of media and sponsorship partners. She had led EMEA and enterprises at The Drum. 

And Peter Vanham has been named editorial director, leadership, of Fortune Europe. Vanham, the author of Fortune’s CEO Weekly Europe newsletter, will head CEO and leadership coverage and CEO events. 

“Our focus will be on critical trends including AI, hybrid working and sustainability, and how they impact Fortune 500 Europe companies and beyond,” says Wood Morton. 

To do this, the publication will proceed in several channels. In digital, it will offer series and features on Fortune.com, and newsletters such as CEO Weekly Europe, which debuted last year.

Print distribution will be increased in such key markets as London, Paris, Zurich and Milan. 

The new hires will be based in Fortune’s London bureau. Fortune notes that the sales team is anchored by Rupert Turnbull, sales director, Europe.  

Does the world need a bigger Fortune in Europe? Yes, according to Jim Jacovides, managing director, Europe. 

“Fundamentally, Fortune believes in business,” Jacovides says. “Our journalists mark companies' successes and equally hold them accountable when they miss.”  

Jacovides adds, “Alex will lead the creation of compelling content that speaks to a UK and European C-Suite audience and provides insight, information and lessons to make their own businesses better.”