Entertainment Weekly publisher Melissa Mattiace has stepped down and will be replaced by the publication’s west coast advertising director Ellie Duque.
In her new role, Duque will be responsible for leading the development and execution of advertising sales and marketing initiatives on all platforms for the brand’s weekly magazine, website and digital offerings. She will report to People and EW Group Publisher, Karen Kovacs.
Additionally, Lana LoRusso has been promoted to vice president and associate publisher of sales for EW, reporting to Duque.
“Ellie is one of the best business leaders in the entertainment media industry. Having her based in Los Angeles as publisher will further cement our relationships with key entertainment partners and further elevate our overall presence in the Hollywood community,” said Time Inc. Executive Vice President and People/EW President Rich Battista. “She’s led People to record success on all platforms and has contributed significantly to the company’s digital growth. I look forward to working with her and Karen [Kovacs] to take EW to new heights.”
“Leading EW has been an honor and I’ve loved every minute of it,” Mattiace said of her decision to depart. “I’ve grown both professionally and personally during my tenure here. And, it’s with an eye toward the personal that I’ll be leaving EW.”
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to work with the talented and passionate team at EW under Henry Goldblatt’s editorial leadership,” said Duque. “EW is the pinnacle of entertainment news and critical insight, it’s the one-stop destination for anyone who wants to be plugged in to what’s buzzing in entertainment. I look forward to enhancing EW’s leadership position as it continues to be a valuable partner to the advertising community and the entertainment industry.”
Duque joined Time Inc. in 2003 and has been leading cross-brand sales efforts for People and EW since 2007. She will continue working collaboratively with both brands to serve the company’s entertainment clients.
As for LoRusso, she will take on an expanded role with a focus on identifying, developing and executing incremental revenue opportunities for the People/EW entertainment group.