Business News
Meredith Announces Senior Editorial Appointments
Wednesday 09. July 2008 - Sally Lee, Gayle Butler both named Senior VP/Editorial Directors
Meredith Corporation (NYSE:MDP) announced today a series of editorial promotions within the Meredith Publishing Group.
These promotions, which are effective immediately, include:
— Sally Lee to Senior Vice President, New York Editorial Director, and
Editor-in-Chief, Ladies’ Home Journal
— Dan Hickey to Vice President, Digital Content
— Gayle Butler to Senior Vice President, Des Moines Editorial Director
— Jim Blume to Group Editor
In addition to serving as Editor-in-Chief of Ladies’ Home Journal, Sally Lee will be responsible for managing the editorial leadership for Meredith’s key New York-based magazine brands. Reporting to Lee will be Linda Fears, Editor-In-Chief of Family Circle; Denise Brodey, Editor-In-Chief of Fitness; Judy Nolte, Editor-In-Chief of the American Baby Group; and Alberto Oliva, Editor-in-Chief of Ser Padres. Additionally, Lee will lead a search for a new editor-in-chief of Parents who will report to her. Lee will report directly to Publishing Group President Jack Griffin
“Sally has done a great job overseeing the Parents brand, and has provided strong leadership and guidance for its numerous product extensions,” said Griffin. “Parents magazine is coming off a record year in fiscal 2008 and its related activities — including Parents.com, licensed products, books, and public advocacy programs — have experienced significant success as well. Additionally, Sally’s vision and dedication to editorial excellence will serve Ladies’ Home Journal well as we build on its strong heritage.”
Diane Salvatore, Editor-In-Chief of Ladies’ Home Journal, will be leaving Meredith. “We want to thank Diane for her dedication to the magazine and to Meredith, and we wish her well in her future endeavors,” said Griffin.
In this new role, Dan Hickey will work closely with the editors of Meredith’s major print brands on interactive strategies. Reporting to Hickey will be the Editorial Directors in Meredith Interactive including BHG.com; Parents portal; and Women’s Lifestyle sites. Hickey will continue to report to Executive Vice President Doug Olson and be based in Des Moines.
“Dan has been a strong leader in our digital business since joining Meredith from AOL, and has spearheaded many of our most visible digital efforts, including the highly successful re-launch of BHG.com,” said Griffin.
Gayle Butler’s additional responsibilities as Senior Vice President, Des Moines Editorial Director — which add oversight of Country Home, Traditional Home and Midwest Living magazines — acknowledge the strong role she has played in enhancing the vibrancy of the Better Homes and Gardens brand.
“Gayle has done a wonderful job since taking the helm at Better Homes and Gardens two years ago, leading a highly successful redesign of our flagship magazine brand,” said Griffin. “She has also provided strong oversight as BH&G has expanded across multiple platforms including the soon to be launched line of Better Homes and Gardens home products at Wal-Mart, debuting later this year.”
Butler will continue to report to Executive Vice President Andy Sareyan. She remains Editor-In-Chief of Better Homes and Gardens.
Reporting directly to Butler, Group Editor Jim Blume adds day-to-day oversight of many of Meredith’s Des Moines based editorial leadership teams. Reporting to Blume will be Luann Brandsen, Editor-In-Chief of Country Home; Ann Maine, Editor-In-Chief of Traditional Home; Greg Philby, Editor-In-Chief of Midwest Living; and Mark Bequeaith, Meredith Consumer Insights. Blume will continue to lead the Food Editorial Group as well.