Mike Soutar: Entrepreneur, Media Visionary, and Leadership Mentor
Mike Soutar is a name that resonates strongly across British media, entrepreneurship, and leadership circles. Known for his razor-sharp business acumen, his ability to transform organisations, and his role as one of Lord Sugar’s trusted interviewers on The Apprentice, Soutar embodies resilience, vision, and adaptability. His journey from writing horoscopes in Dundee to becoming an influential entrepreneur, government adviser, and board member is a story of grit and transformation. This article explores the career, achievements, and impact of Mike Soutar, offering a detailed look at his professional milestones and personal philosophy.
Early Life and Education
Scottish Roots
Born in Dundee in November 1966, Mike Soutar grew up in Scotland before moving to London. His early exposure to writing and journalism paved the way for what would become an extraordinary media career.
Education
Soutar attended Glenrothes High School from 1978 to 1984. Later in his career, he enhanced his business knowledge at the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business in 2004, gaining global insights into leadership and management that would support his later ventures.
The Beginnings in Journalism
Early Journalism Career
Mike Soutar began his professional journey in journalism in Dundee, where his first assignments included writing horoscopes for a women’s magazine. While humble, this role marked the beginning of a rapid progression through the editorial ranks.
Breakthrough in Magazines
By the 1990s, Soutar had established himself as a transformational editor. He took charge of Smash Hits and later FHM, propelling both titles into market-leading positions. His editorial flair and sharp instincts turned these magazines into cultural icons, cementing his reputation as one of the most innovative editors of his time.
Media Leadership and Transformation
Managing Director at Kiss FM
In the late 1990s, Soutar became Managing Director of Kiss FM. Under his leadership, the station experienced surging fortunes, transforming into a leading player in British radio. His ability to blend editorial creativity with strategic business thinking became his hallmark.
Role at IPC Media
From 2000 to 2006, Soutar served on the board of IPC Media. He was first Managing Director of the men’s lifestyle and entertainment division, Ignite, before becoming Editorial Director of the entire group. During his tenure, IPC underwent a leveraged buy-out and eventual sale to Time Warner, with Soutar playing a pivotal role in guiding the business through transition.
Entrepreneurial Success
Founding Shortlist Media
In 2007, in the aftermath of the global financial crash, Soutar co-founded Shortlist Media with a vision to revolutionise magazine publishing. Starting with just five employees, the company grew to over 200 within five years.
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ShortList Magazine quickly became the UK’s market-leading men’s lifestyle weekly.
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Stylist Magazine launched in 2009 and redefined free publishing for women, becoming the number one title in its category.
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The company also launched successful digital brands and email services, such as Emerald Street and Mr Hyde.
As CEO, Soutar led the business to win more than 80 industry awards. In 2015, he spearheaded the sale of the company for a significant multi-million-pound sum, demonstrating his ability to build, grow, and exit a venture profitably.
Crash Test Media
Alongside Shortlist, Soutar co-founded Crash Test Media in 2006. This development agency worked with leading UK and international media companies, creating new print and digital products and reinvigorating existing brands.
Leadership Beyond Media
CEO of Evening Standard
In 2019, Soutar became CEO of the Evening Standard. Tasked with turning around a business that had lost £30 million over three years, he restructured the executive team and implemented cost efficiencies. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, he masterminded a home distribution network, ensuring that half a million copies reached readers daily despite lockdown challenges.
Board and Advisory Roles
Mike Soutar’s leadership extends far beyond media:
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Scottish Rugby – Since 2023, he has been a Non-Executive Director of Scottish Rugby Limited, the body overseeing professional and international rugby in Scotland.
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V&A Dundee – As a Trustee, he contributes to Scotland’s design museum, a cornerstone of Dundee’s cultural regeneration.
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LoopFX – He serves as a Non-Executive Director for this fintech company specialising in foreign currency trading technology.
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Perfect Storm Productions – Between 2020 and 2022, he chaired the company, successfully leading a funding round.
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Government of the United Kingdom – In 2025, he joined the prestigious UK Board of Trade as an advisor, championing British businesses on the global stage.
The Apprentice Fame
From 2011 onwards, Soutar became a household name through his role as one of Lord Sugar’s trusted interviewers on The Apprentice. His forensic questioning style and unflinching demand for credible numbers made him both respected and feared by candidates.
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He consistently emphasised that while a compelling narrative matters, business success is built on robust, realistic financials.
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His interviews became iconic moments in the show, revealing both the weaknesses and potential of aspiring entrepreneurs.
This role amplified his public profile, showcasing his expertise not just as a media leader but as a mentor for the next generation of business talent.
Personal Life
Mike Soutar is married to Bev Soutar (née Hillier). The couple have been together for decades and share a son named Alfie. Though a public figure, Soutar values family and often credits his support network as central to his career longevity.
Philosophy and Thought Leadership
Supporting Founders and CEOs
Soutar describes his passion as supporting emerging founders and CEOs. He dedicates much of his time to mentoring leadership talent, sharing his hard-earned wisdom on resilience, strategy, and transformation.
Views on Business Planning
In his public speaking and writing, he often warns against over-reliance on technology like AI for crafting business plans. He argues that writing reveals thinking, and founders must do the hard work of shaping their own ideas.
Cash Flow and Realism
One of Soutar’s recurring lessons is that many founders underestimate the importance of cash flow. To him, realism in finance is as critical as vision in leadership.
Net Worth and Recognition
Estimates put Mike Soutar’s net worth at around £5.3 million, reflecting his successful exits and high-level advisory roles. Beyond financial success, he is recognised as a LinkedIn Top Voice in business transformation and leadership, underlining his influence as a thought leader.
Conclusion
From his modest beginnings in Dundee to his role as an advisor to the UK Government, Mike Soutar has built a remarkable career defined by creativity, resilience, and leadership. He transformed British magazine publishing, steered iconic brands, guided businesses through crises, and inspired countless entrepreneurs along the way.
Whether interrogating candidates on The Apprentice, advising government on trade, or mentoring the next generation of leaders, Soutar continues to shape the landscape of business and media in the UK. His story is a testament to adaptability, vision, and the enduring value of leadership rooted in both realism and inspiration.
