Hearst Magazines named Joanna Coles as the company’s new chief content officer.
Coles had been editor-in-chief of Hearst Magazines’ flagship brand Cosmopolitan since 2012, as well as editorial director of Seventeen since 2014. In the new role, she will continue to report to Hearst Magazines President David Carey.
“Joanna has terrific editorial and business acumen and has emerged as a strong leader during her 10 years at Hearst, both within the organization and the media community,” Hearst President and CEO Steven R. Swartz said in a statement. “She is an innovator who operates at every level and an ideal addition to our leadership team.”
“This is a truly dynamic moment for magazine media, and the opportunities are endless,” Coles said. “I’m excited to work alongside the extremely talented teams across the company to come up with new businesses and brands, new collaborations and partnerships, and new ways to engage our audiences around the world.”
In her new role, Coles will work closely with Hearst Magazines’ editors in the U.S. and globally. She will lead new magazine development activities, and spearhead efforts to extend Hearst brands into television, live events and other new businesses.
“Joanna is a powerhouse modern editor — she has strengthened the thought-leadership of Cosmopolitan and established deep relationships with major players in advertising, technology, entertainment and government,” Carey said. “She has a creative, curious mind and her boundless energy will be an integral part of all we do, as we forge an even closer connection between our U.S. and international media businesses.”