• by Sara Guaglione , June 10, 2016

Time Inc. has found a new group editorial director for Sports Illustrated Group, which includes Sports Illustrated (SI), Golf and SI Kids. Chris Stone will succeed Paul Fichtenbaum, who announced he was stepping down earlier this week.

Stone, who has served as SI’s managing editor for the last four years, will oversee all editorial content and operations on a cross-platform basis for the three brands.

“In the coming months, we are going to roll out a series of initiatives, experiences and events that will be game-changers for our loyal consumers, while also attracting new audiences to our brands,” Stone stated.

As SI’s managing editor, Stone worked closely with Fichtenbaum, who after more than 26 years with the company decided to step down. As Publishers Daily reported yesterday, his exit is effective June 30.

Fichtenbaum is credited with helping reinvent the brand’s digital presence after its deals with CNN, and then Turner Sports, came to an end.

Time Inc. credits Stone as being instrumental to the reimagination of its cross-platform content, the launch of SI franchises TheMMQB.com, SI Films, Planet Futbol and new lifestyle verticals SI Edge and Fashionable 50.

In May, SI Group also got a new group publisher, Brad Elders, who succeeded Brendan Ripp after he was promoted to president of technology and telecommunications for Time Inc. sales and marketing.