• by Melynda Fuller , October 17, 2019

This week Meredith Corp revealed new editorial and publishing roles across its National Media Group brands, while announcing it will shutter 87-year-old Family Circle.

Family Circle, which was acquired by Meredith in 2005 as part of its purchase of Gruner + Jahr USA, will end following the publication of its December 2019 issue. The title publishes 12 times a year with a rate base of 4 million.

Some of FC's top talent is transitioning to new positions at the publisher.

Rory Evans, previously executive editor at Family Circle, will become executive editor at Real Simple. Cheryl Brown, who was EIC of Family Circle, becomes executive editor of Health. Brendan Smyth, previously publisher of Family Circle, will now serve as publisher of Health.

"When we acquired the Time Inc. portfolio of media brands in January 2018, we doubled our presence in the women's lifestyle category," Doug Olson, president of Meredith Magazines, stated. "Our portfolio philosophy continues to emphasize investing in brands that are market leaders and/or possess the highest growth potential. Sometimes, that means making hard decisions. Fortunately, we have been able to find new roles for some of the Family Circle team.”

Leading Meredith titles in the women’s lifestyle category include Better Homes & Gardens, Magnolia Journal, Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living and Southern Living. 

Liz Vaccariello has been named vice president and EIC of Real Simple. Previously, she was vice president and EIC of Parents. She will also continue to serve as content director across several Meredith brands, with Stephen Orr, vice president and EIC of Better Homes & Gardens.

Taking the helm as EIC of Parents is Julia Edelstein, who was previously the title’s executive editor.

Agnes Chapski, vice president and publisher of InStyle, has been promoted to vice president/group publisher of InStyle, Shape and Health.

Karla Partilla has been named vice president and publisher of Allrecipes and the upcoming Rachael Ray Every Dayconsumer-driven title.

Also promoted is Daren Mazzucca, who will take responsibility for Martha Stewart Living, in addition to Real Simple, as the vice president and group publisher of the titles.

Directing advertising sales for People on the East Coast is Maria Jukabek, who has been named executive director of sales at the title. She will lead alongside executive director Meredith Waltman. Also at People, David Ginsberg has been named integrated account director. Ginsberg was previously publisher of Allrecipes.

Finally, Lizzie Meier Utt has been named Eastern advertising director of Real Simple.

Olson stated the new promotions and appointments “align top talent with many of the leading brands in the industry.”