Mike Soutar is a name that resonates strongly in the business and media landscapes. Known for his sharp wit, keen business acumen, and memorable appearances as an interviewer on The Apprentice UK, he has built a reputation as not only a tough interrogator but also as a thriving entrepreneur and leader in multiple industries.
But how did Mike Soutar rise to such prominence, and what is his estimated net worth in 2025? This blog will provide a detailed look at his career milestones, personal life, and the fortune he has amassed over the years.
Who is Mike Soutar?
Early Life and Education
Mike Soutar was born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1967. He attended South Parks Primary School and later Glenrothes High School in Fife. While his initial dream was to become a PE teacher, a fateful visit to a teaching college led him to realize that his ambitions lay elsewhere.
Transition to the Media Industry
Mike’s career began at DC Thomson, a publishing powerhouse in Dundee. Starting as a writer for magazines like Jackie and Secrets, his creative flair quickly set him apart. At just 17 years old, he found himself editing horoscopes and beauty columns—a far cry from his entrepreneurial future but pivotal in establishing his foundation in media.
Fun Fact
Before moving into serious editorial roles, Mike even appeared as a “cover boy” in Jackie magazine photo stories, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the magazine’s operations.
Career Milestones
Mike Soutar’s career trajectory is as diverse as it is impressive. Here’s a breakdown of his key accomplishments across media, television, and business.
A. Magazine and Media Success
Mike was appointed editor of Smash Hits at the remarkable age of 23. Despite the challenges of declining magazine readership at the time, he honed his editorial skills and laid the groundwork for future successes.
Later, as editor of FHM, Mike truly made his mark. By refining the vision of this then emerging men’s magazine, he skyrocketed FHM’s sales from 50,000 to over 500,000 readers—a record-breaking achievement that solidified him as a visionary in print media.
Perhaps his most ambitious project came in 2007 when he co-founded Shortlist Media. Among its notable launches was Stylist, a widely popular publication that disrupted the media industry with its innovative free-to-read business model.
B. Television Stardom on The Apprentice
Mike Soutar became a household name in the UK through The Apprentice. Since joining the show in 2011 as a no-nonsense interviewer, his role has been to grill candidates on their business plans, often uncovering exaggerations or flaws in their proposals.
His methodical approach, tough questions, and insightful commentary earned him admiration—and sometimes fear—from candidates and viewers alike.
Trivia: During COVID-19, Mike temporarily replaced Tim Campbell as one of Lord Sugar’s aides, further showcasing his versatility on the show.
C. Breaking New Ground in Business Leadership
- Mike served as the CEO of the Evening Standard, an iconic British publication. His tenure brought innovative changes before stepping down in 2020 to focus on fresh ventures.
- He is the Non-Executive Chairman of Perfect Storm Productions, a documentary-focused company known for partnering with high-profile celebrities like Stacey Dooley.
D. Investments and Entrepreneurial Ventures
Leveraging his expertise in media and technology, Mike Soutar mentors startups and provides guidance to entrepreneurs. His portfolio features both strategic investments and hands-on advisory roles, making him a key figure in nurturing innovative businesses.
What is Mike Soutar’s Net Worth?
Mike Soutar’s estimated net worth as of 2025 is approximately £5.3 million.
Here’s a breakdown of how he built his wealth:
- Publishing Industry Success – Leading groundbreaking magazines like FHM and founding business models like Shortlist Media.
- The Apprentice Income – Significant contributions as a mainstay interviewer and temporary aide.
- Startup Mentorship and Investments – Supporting early-stage companies and earning equity in promising tech and media startups.
- Non-Executive Roles – Continuing influence through companies like Perfect Storm Productions.
Mike’s unrelenting drive and ability to pivot into new industries keep his financial and professional success on an upward trajectory.
Mike Soutar’s Personal Life
While Mike enjoys a high-profile career, his personal life remains grounded. He has been married to Bev Soutar for nearly 30 years, and together, they have a son named Alfie. Based in London, the family exemplifies values of ambition, perseverance, and balance.
Giving Back & Overcoming Challenges
Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit was partly inspired by personal setbacks. After a severe bout of salmonella that evolved into typhoid, he took stock of his life and decided to pursue something truly impactful. This pivotal moment in his life sparked the creation of his own business ventures.
Mike Soutar’s Impact and Legacy
Mike Soutar is more than just a successful entrepreneur—he’s a thought leader whose influence extends across media, business, and personal development.
Transformative Influence in Publishing
Mike’s ability to revive and innovate magazine brands has left a lasting impact on the publishing industry. His leadership at Shortlist Media and Stylist modernized consumer habits and set new trends in free media.
Impact on The Apprentice
Through sharp interviews, Mike has inspired countless entrepreneurs to refine their business skills and approach projects with greater clarity and honesty.
Voice for Emerging Startups
Mike actively promotes entrepreneurship, offering valuable mentorship and advocating for innovative business ideas. His golden tips for spotting a winning business plan highlight his focus on understanding profitability, customer demand, and leadership integrity.
Fun Facts About Mike Soutar
- He started as an editorial assistant at DC Thomson and survived a three-month trial where four out of six new hires didn’t make it.
- One of his first writing gigs was penning horoscopes for Secrets magazine as a teenager.
- He has battled and overcome serious health issues, which served as a catalyst for pursuing his entrepreneurial dreams.
- Despite his tough persona on The Apprentice, he claims he would never be as brutal judging local businesses as on TV!
Conclusion
Mike Soutar’s career encapsulates the power of ambition, adaptability, and consistent innovation. From his humble beginnings in Dundee to his pivotal influence in business and media, his achievements continue to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs.
His wealth is not just monetary—it’s a testament to the risks he took, the industries he transformed, and the lives he impacted along the way. Whether you’re watching The Apprentice or reading a magazine he’s influenced, you’ll likely find traces of his relentless pursuit of excellence.
FAQs
What does Mike Soutar do now?
Mike is involved in numerous roles, including serving as a Non-Executive Chairman, media advisor, investor, and interviewer on The Apprentice.
Is Mike Soutar married?
Yes, Mike has been married to Bev Soutar for nearly three decades. They share a son and reside in London.
Who is the Scottish interviewer on The Apprentice?
That’s Mike Soutar! His unmistakable accent and rigorous interview methods make him stand out among the show’s interview panel.
