People Magazine has named Dan Wakeford as its new editor-in-chief. He will start April 1.
Wakeford, who has been the magazine’s deputy editor since 2015, replaces Jess Cagle. The longtime editor-in-chief of People and Entertainment Weekly said Wednesday that he would step down. Cagle spent 32 years at the company and helped launch Entertainment Weekly in 1990. His last day there is March 31, when his contract expires.
As part of the new editorial structure, Wakeford, along with current EW editor-in-chief Henry Goldblatt and People en Español editor-in- chief Armando Correa will report to Bruce Gersh, president of People.
“An experienced and trusted journalist with entertainment and creative storytelling expertise, Dan is a forward-thinking executive and a brand builder with a clear vision for People today and in the future,” Gersh said in a statement Thursday. “Dan’s impeccable track record of shaping the editorial direction and content strategy for some of the largest brands makes him the ideal choice to lead Meredith’s most profitable brand.”
Prior to joining People, Wakeford was editor-in-chief of Life & Style at In Touch magazine.
“I’m honored to lead the most trusted entertainment brand in the world and continue the tradition of smart and exciting storytelling,” Wakeford said. “I can’t wait to build on this legendary brand’s success, and share People with audiences everywhere.”