Natmags Appoints Edwards As Chief Executive
The National Magazine Company has appointed Duncan Edwards to the new position of chief executive officer in addition to his role as managing director.
The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hearst Corporation, has enjoyed substantial growth over the last few years as a result of acquisitions, joint ventures and new launches. This additional title is a “reflection of the reality of what Duncan has been doing”, according to Victor Ganzi, president and chief executive officer of The Heart Corporation.
Natmag also announced the additional title of general manager for Simon Horne who also retains his existing responsibilities and role as group finance director.
Commenting on the appointment, Duncan Edwards said: “Simon’s importance in getting our business in shape to manage the growth of the last few years has been immense. This new job title more accurately describes Simon’s significant role in managing the engine room functions of the company.”
Earlier in the year, NatMag-Rodale, the joint venture created between The National Magazine Company and Rodale International in May 2004, appointed Rita Lewis as its first managing director (seeNatMag-Rodale Poaches Hachette Director As First MD).
NatMag-Rodale was created in May 2004, promising the launch of a range of new health and fitness titles. At the time of the company’s launch Duncan Edwards set out its strategy, stating: “We will maximise cross-promotion opportunities including marketing, subscriptions and advertising sales. Our companies have identified long-term growth in the UK health and fitness market, and between our in-depth market knowledge and Rodale’s 60 year history in the category, we will be perfectly positioned to respond to growing consumer demand in this area”(seeNatmags Forms New Joint Venture Company With Rodale).
The latest ABC figures for the six months to December 2004, saw Natmag titles performing well in a market which showed an overall decline, with House Beautiful, enjoying a 18.3% year on year rise in circulation to 215,360 and Country Living seeing a 6.1% rise in the same period (see ABC Results Jul-Dec 2004: Natmags Tops Home Interest Sector).
National Magazine Company: 0207 439 5000 www.natmags.co.uk