Toby Heppell

Content specialist and journalist with 20 + years’ experience creating engaging, high-quality digital content across editorial, video, podcast and branded formats. Skilled in managing projects from inception to delivery, working with clients and internal stakeholders to deliver content that meets both audience needs and business objectives. Proven ability to lead teams, manage freelancers and suppliers, and deliver measurable results.

Passionate about storytelling, detail-driven, and committed to driving digital revenue and audience engagement in fast-paced media environments.

Group Digital Editor - Marine (Yachting World, Yachting Monthly, Practical Boat Owner, Motor Boat & Yachting) at Future Media Ltd (2022-01 – Present)

• Lead a content team across digital, social, podcast and video formats, aligning content delivery with commercial targets and user growth objectives.
• Develop and execute cross-channel content strategies focused on audience engagement and monetisation (advertising, branded content, sponsorship).
• Manage projects and production workflows, ensuring timely delivery, resource efficiency and quality control across brands.
• Deliver data-informed editorial optimisations (SEO, analytics) to improve performance.

Senior Staff Writer - Marine at Future Media Ltd (2021 – 2021)

• Owned strategic digital content development for e-commerce, branded campaigns and video-led storytelling.
• Created and executed editorial initiatives that increased organic reach and social engagement.
• Mentored junior writers and helped shape workflow improvements, ensuring alignment with business and brand goals.

Staff Writer - Marine at Future Media Ltd (2021-01 – 2021-12)

• Managed social and digital publishing for two brands, increasing follower base and engagement via a curated content calendar and reactive formats.
• Produced affiliate content and e-commerce driven articles, balancing brand voice with performance and monetisation metrics.

Freelance Editor, Writer & Copywriter (2019-05 – 2020-12)

• Delivered print and digital content for clients across lifestyle, events and corporate sectors, including high-quality media collateral, blogs and website copy.
• Developed client-briefed content programmes, managed stakeholder relationships and ensured KPI-driven outcomes.
• Led event coverage, produced media kits, and crafted content to support sponsorship and partner campaigns.

Editor - Yachts and Yachting at Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd (2018-05 – 2019-05)

• Directed editorial strategy for consumer publication, print and digital; collaborated with commercial/marketing teams to commission sponsored content and align with brand campaigns.
• Managed internal and freelance editorial resources, set editorial standards, and commissioned multimedia content.

Deputy Editor - Yachts and Yachting at Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd (2014-11 – 2018-04)

• Led digital editorial planning and execution; transitioned print-first workflows to digital-first publishing.
• Managed social media channels, implemented performance-driven strategies and built community engagement.
• Worked with brand and editorial leads to shape tone of voice and digital content strategy.

News and Features Writer - Sailing Today at Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd (2012-06 – 2014-11)

• Wrote features, profiles and digital content for print and web; supported launch and management of social content streams.
• Contributed to early digital transformation projects and editorial workflow design.