Bustle founder and editor-in-chief Kate Ward is leaving the company after six years.
“In 2013, I joined a start-up in the hopes of creating a new digital publication that would disrupt the industry while amplifying women’s voices,” Ward wrote on her Instagram account Tuesday. “Now, six years later, I’ve not only watched that brand enrich the lives of 50 million+ readers monthly, but I’ve also had the privilege of launching, re-launching, and growing four other incredible brands, reaching a total of 80 million+ monthly readers.”
Ward did not give an explanation for leaving in her post and an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap that the decision was Ward’s and that she’ll remain on until the summer. A replacement has not been chosen, the individual added.
“I can’t imagine leaving this amazing team at a better time — there are few publishers better poised for success in the coming years, and I can’t wait to watch the company we built in a small Williamsburg townhouse continue to grow,” Ward wrote.
“Kate Ward helped build the BDG we know today,” Bryan Goldberg, Bustle CEO and Founder, BDG, said. “In six years, she transformed Bustle into one of the country’s leading lifestyle brands, and we are beyond thankful for her contributions to the company and to the media industry as a whole. I can’t wait to see what she does next.”
As editor-in-chief of BDG Media, Ward oversaw Bustle, a site for millennial women; Romper, a digital media property by millennial parents; Elite Daily, “for millennials eager to experience life,”; The Zoe Report, a fashion and beauty site encouraging women to live a life of style; and Mic.
According to her Linkedin account, Ward helped expand BDG’s branded content, social media, video, and special projects teams, growing the company to more than 80 million monthly unique readers.
During her time at Bustle, Ward was named a member of Forbes “30 Under 30” and Ad Age’s “40 Under 40,” and was selected for Business Insider’s “Silicon Alley 100” list, and Business Insider’s list of the “Most Influential Women In NYC Tech.”
Read her full Instagram post below.