Frith, who played a key role in the rise of Bauer's Heat magazine in the 90s and went on to edit Time Out, will become editorial director, lifestyle in early 2012.
Bauer Media CEO Paul Keenan said of Frith: 'He did amazing work at Emap (Bauer's predecessor). We've kept in touch and I've been looking for an opportunity to re-engage him when the time is right.
'It's a role of developing, mentoring, supporting, coaching, looking at new projects and products and supporting editors on specific evolutions that they are working on.'
Frith resigned from his high-profile position as editor-in-chief of Heat magazine in early 2008 following ten years at the celebrity title.
