"Endings are hard": LadBible co-founder quits after making 'incredibly difficult decision'

A co-founder of LadBible has issued an emotional statement after making the "incredibly difficult decision" to quit.

Arian Kalantari helped to set up the Manchester-based company alongside Solly Solomou in 2012.

The company, which forms part of the wider LBG Media group, has grown to become a major digital publisher and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

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Mr Kalantari has been on a sabbatical since the start of the year and has decided not to return.

In a statement posted on LinkedIn, Mr Kalantari said: "Back in 2012 when Solly Solomou asked me to get involved with LadBible who would have thought 11 years on, two best friends since they were 11, would go on to achieve what we have today.

"In 11 years we have grown the business to now reach a billion people across the globe, every single month.

"And while the numbers are remarkable, more importantly, we’ve used the platform we’ve created to champion important topics and put a smile on people's faces everyday.

"Our mental health campaign (UOKM8?) back in 2016 started the conversation around men openly talking about their feelings.

"Our Trash Isles campaign educating people about the harmfulness of plastic in the ocean was seen by 300 million people and won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions awards.

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"It has been an incredibly difficult decision, but I’ve decided that now is the right time for me to step away and to create space in my life for new challenges and new adventures.

"Endings are hard - but they’re necessary to create new beginnings. I will share more on this in time.

"Building LAD to