The name Joanna Coles should ring a bell. In fact, it should ring a few. The former Editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine is now ringing a new tune, one that involves becoming Hearst’s first-ever chief content officer.
Soooooo what is a chief content officer do? Well, Coles will work with U.S. and international Hearst editors on “magazine development activities,” as well as television projects, events, “new advertising projects,” branded content, consumer research, books and more.
Hearst also announced Tuesday that Michele Promaulayko has been named Coles’s replacement as both editor in chief of Cosmopolitan and editorial director of Seventeen.
“I love Cosmo, but I gave it everything I had,” said Coles to The New York Times, “I just didn’t have another sex position in me.”
Just two years after assuming the EIC role at Cosmopolitan, Coles led the editorial direction of Seventeen magazine, becoming a coveted face not just for the brand, but for Hearst in general. However, Joanna Coles has shown that fashion is so much more than just flimsy clothing; through her work with Cosmo, she’s helped in tackling topics including women’s right to choose, gun safety and closing the wage gap.
“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,” said Carey in a statement.
Needless to say, we are extremely excited for Joanna Coles’ new position with Hearst and what she can bring to the table for editorial, fashion, and digital. What do you think?
