• by Gavin O'Malley  @mp_gavin, December 14, 2009

Media and advertising network Glam Media on Monday named Rachel Wintner as its new vice president of sales. Wintner joins Glam Media from Condé Nast, where she most recently served as associate publisher of Style.com.

In this newly created position, Wintner will oversee advertising sales for the Southwest Region, and will open Glam Media's Los Angeles office. Wintner will report to Jack Rotolo, president and general manager, North America, at Glam Media.

According to Wintner, Glam Media's network presents significant opportunity for marketers, "particularly those in the entertainment, retail, automotive and consumer packaged goods industries -- to connect with audiences across communication channels and media verticals."

As a distinctly new media company, Glam has grown accustomed to poaching executives from rivals with more moderate growth trajectories. Bucking that trend, former Glam executive Joe Lagani was named SVP of ad sales at rival iVillage in October.

Also in October, Glam announced that its flagship U.S. women's division has achieved profitability. Key to Glam's success is "the development of premium display as it relates to ... niche content," according to Samir Arora, chairman and CEO of Glam Media.

Yet Glam faces increasing competition from a number of media rivals, including Meredith Corp.'s Women's Network -- which encompasses Better Homes and Gardens and Parents and Fitness along with its Mixing Bowl social network -- The Real Girls Network, which is made up of over 30 female-focused communities and social networks; and women's media network BlogHer.

At Style.com, Wintner was responsible for development of sales strategy and products as well as management of the sales team. She also previously served as fashion director, advertising manager and West Coast advertising director.

Before joining Condé Nast Digital, Wintner handled marketing at Wiley Publishing, Primedia and 24/7 Real Media. She began her career at Lifetime Television.