• by Sara Guaglione , June 13, 2016

Hearst Magazines has appointed Michelle Spinale to the newly created position of vice president of consumer engagement.

Spinale will lead strategic partnerships and promotions for Hearst’s 21 brands in print and online, “implementing creative marketing programs that drive engagement,” according to the company. In her new gig, starting July 11, she will report to Liberta Abbondante, senior vice president of consumer marketing.

"My top priority is to work closely with the brands to identify existing partnerships that can be expanded as well as new programs that align well with Hearst's extensive and passionate audiences,” Spinale told Publishers Daily.

She added that her goal is to “deeply leverage the entire portfolio to deliver unique brand experiences and special access that also drives loyalty and engagement.”

Spinale was most recently principal of The Spinale Group, where she provided brand analysis, strategic planning, and integrated marketing solutions for clients across the entertainment, health and wellness, financial, retail and publishing industries.

Spinale was at Time Inc. from 2012 to 2015, first as vice president of marketing at Health magazine and then as vice president of marketing and brand development at Sunset magazine.

From 2002 to 2011, Spinale held senior marketing and promotion roles at The WB Television Network, Turner, NBC Universal and 4Kids Entertainment.