Bonnier vice president-editorial director Joe Brown has been tapped to lead Hearst Autos as its group editorial director. Brown takes on his new role March 2. He reports to Hearst Autos CEO Matt Sanchez.

As editorial director of Hearst Autos, Brown will oversee all print and digital content for various titles, including Car and Driver, Road & Track, Autoweek, Canadian Black Book, R&T Crew and the new R&T luxury brand.

Brown and Eddie Alterman, Chief Brand Officer of the group, will work together to target brand extension opportunities, such as books, digital products and cross-promotional alignments.

At Bonnier Corp, Brown served as vice president and New York editorial director, leading titles that include Field & Stream, Saveur, Outdoor Life and Popular Science. He was EIC of Popular Science prior to his promotion last year. Prior to his time with Bonnier Corp, Brown was executive director of Wired and EIC of Gizmodo.

“Joe’s passion for automotive journalism and his many magazine successes will be integral as we continue to develop the Hearst Autos strategy,” Sanchez stated. “We are expanding our brands and testing new products, and Joe’s experience with enthusiast audiences will be key as our business continues to grow.”

Hearst Autos launched its new luxury magazine R&Tlate last month to serve as a companion to Road & Track. R&T Crew, geared to children, launched last fall as a magazine and curated subscription box.

Hearst Autos rebranded and ramped up its data and ad capabilities in July 2019.

Sanchez told Publishers Daily at the time: “This rebranding is an opportunity to frame our investment in a deeper and more useful relationship to the consumer and create enticing products for the marketer.”