• by Sara Guaglione , January 27, 2016

Stone replaces Maggie Zackowitz, who was appointed in April 2015 to fill in for Keith Bellows, who stepped down in October 2014. Zackowitz reportedly retired in December, but a spokesperson told Skift that Zackowitz, who had been at the magazine since 1984, had taken advantage of a buyout offer.

As editor-in-chief, Stone will oversee all of the travel content. In addition to editing the print magazine, he will spearhead National Geographic's digital and social media travel strategy, including the brand’s annual photo contest and blogging network.

National Geographic has nearly 14 million followers across all social media platforms.

"My goal is to empower our audiences to embrace travel as a tool for exploration, cultural engagement, creative expression and personal growth,” Stone stated.

Stone has worked as a writer and editor for National Geographic Travel for 18 years, most recently as an editor at large based in Singapore. National Geographic stated that Stone has led several initiatives prior to this promotion, including Travel magazine's "Travelers of the Year list” and its annual Traveler 50 project, which looks at the future of travel and urban design.

He will report to Susan Goldberg, editorial director of National Geographic Partners and editor-in-chief of National Geographic magazine.

"George has a knack for creating print and digital features that resonate with new audiences — and reflect his spirit of adventure and fun,” Goldberg stated.

Stone told Travel Weekly that he will relocate to Washington in a few days. His main goal as editor-in-chief will be to bridge the gap between the print and digital strategies, which have operated relatively separately in the past.

Stone also told Skift his priority will be to establish “a unified content experience across platforms.”

As Publishers Daily previously reported, 21st Century Fox and National Geographic Society closed a deal to form National Geographic Partners last November, after Fox paid $725 million in cash and equity in September to take control of The National Geographic Society’s media assets.

Just last week, National Geographic Partners announced other new hires. The company named Claudia Malley Chief Marketing and Brand Officer and John Campbell SVP, global media.