The People

Folio: The Magazine for Magazine Management, August 1, 2003

Byline: Susan Thea Posnock

When Worth relaunches as Robb Report Worth this fall, W. Randall Jones will continue to have a role with the magazine he founded in 1992. But it will be more of a cameo than a star turn.

Jones - who was CEO and acting editor-in-chief of the magazine before its parent, Worth Media, filed for bankruptcy at the end of May - will take on a consulting role with the title's new owner, CurtCo Media. The company purchased the assets of Worth for $2.4 million in June.

According to Bill Curtis, CEO of CurtCo, Jones won't be involved in day-to-day operations but will serve as an ambassador for the magazine. "He does not have to worry about the details and financials and where's the next dollar coming from," Curtis says. "For me, he's someone capable of having a public persona to forward the brand, to host a party, to have friends and acquaintances and business relationships that they bring to our company, not just Worth."

Curtis claims he and Jones have mutual respect for each other and have similar visions of where the magazine should go. Still, there's no guarantee the relationship will work in the long term. "We'll have a honeymoon. We'll see what the marriage is like," Curtis says.

Jones estimates he'll be devoting four days a month to the magazine, helping with its relaunch and further growth efforts. "I'm giving my institutional knowledge over to them," he says. "I'll be participating in events, be advising Bill on people and the hiring. I'll assist in the business development in any way that makes sense and work with clients I've had good relationships with over the years. It's very open-ended - whatever is necessary."

Jones claims that he isn't reluctant to hand over the reins of his baby. "It has been so difficult the last couple of years in the market," he says. "I'm thrilled Worth has found the right home. I think it's in great hands, and I want to see it grow and prosper and reach its greatest potential, no matter what my role is."

Jones also feels a sense of relief as he envisions spending more time with his family instead of stressing over the minute details of running Worth. "One of the things I'm looking forward to is not predicting the future for a while," he adds.

Other members of Jones's team have found spots with the new owner, including Worth Media president Alison Parks, who is now group vice president, marketing. "More than just helping us to position and market the magazine, she is going to be the person who brings synergy to all of our acquisitions and helps all of the magazines work their marketing magic together," Curtis says.

People on the Move:

ADVERTISING & SALES

John Boland has been named national sales director for More. Previously, he was publisher of Expedia Travels and Backpacker magazines. He had also served as associate publisher of Men's Journal.

Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel has hired Gail E. Scott as Florida/Caribbean advertising sales manager. Scott joins the magazine from Northstar's Travel Weekly and Hotel & Travel, where she was regional advertising sales manager.

Dennis Publishing's The Week has named Arthur Wagner northwest ad manager. Wagner was founder and president of Clarus Consulting, whose clients included Nike Golf and Men's Health.

Valerie Allen becomes New York account manager for Smithsonian magazine. Most recently, Allen worked in advertising sales for Teen People. Smithsonian has also announced that representatives Cynthia Jollymore, Sandra Berry, and Brenda Finn - of McGown/Intermac/PNA - will oversee its ad sales in Quebec, Ontario and in western Canada.

Louis Coletti has been hired as fashion category manager of American Express Publishing's Departures. Coletti had been publishing director for Contents magazine.

Jungle Media Group announced that James A. Belzer is joining the company as national advertising director. Belzer has more than 15 years' experience in magazine publishing, including recent stints as adverting director for ICON and fashion advertising manager for Esquire.

Rodale has hired Aseem Chhabra as advertising general manager for Organic Style and Organic Gardening. Chhabra has spent the last two years as a consultant in the publishing industry.

CORPORATE

Bonnie Fuller was named executive vice president/chief editorial director at American Media, Inc. She will oversee AMI's stable of 20 magazines and be in charge of editorial for AMI's tabloids, which include The National Enquirer, Star, and Globe. Fuller had been editor-in-chief of Us Weekly.

Meredith Corporation has hired Jack Griffin as president of the Meredith Magazine Group. Griffin comes to the company from Parade Publications, where he had served as president and publisher of Parade magazine.

Chris Dobbrow, former CEO of Red Herring, was named senior vice president of corporate sales and publisher of eWeek.

Mark A. Furlong is now vice president of Golf World Group and publisher of Golf World magazine. He joins the company from Natural History, where he had been publisher.

The Magazine Group has named Stephen D. Peck chief financial officer and senior vice president. Peck has served as chief financial officer for Phillips Publishing International and as vice president and CFO of American Mobile Satellite Corp.