• by Joe Mandese  @mp_joemandese, September 13, 2016

Media industry vet but relative Time Inc. newcomer Rich Battista has been named president and CEO, replacing veteran Joe Ripp. The company announced that Ripp will continue to lead the Time Inc. board as its executive chairman.

In a statement, Ripp said: “Rich is the right choice to execute our plans and deliver shareholder value.”

Battista, a 25-year veteran of the entertainment and media industry, joined Time Inc. in 2015 from Mandalay Sports Media, where he was CEO. He previously held senior management roles at Fox Television and Gemstar-TV Guide International.

Separately, Time Inc. said it was affirming its “pacing expectations for third quarter 2016 total revenues and operating expenses.