• by Tony Silber , February 25, 2022

Dotdash Meredith this week named Liz Vaccariello editor in chief of People magazine. Vaccariello  is one of the best-known consumer magazine editors in the business, having previously served as editor of Real Simple, Parents, Reader’s Digest and Every Day With Racheal Ray. She’s also a New York Times best-selling author.

Vaccariello will oversee all print editorial strategy for the magazine. She succeeds Dan Wakeford, who is leaving the position at People after three years.

Vaccariello “is an incredible leader and storyteller, and has a keen eye for what will pop on a cover and off the page,” said Dotdash Meredith Entertainment Group President Leah Wyar. "Her 25 years of editorial experience and understanding of how to deliver content in a multiplatform way make her the perfect fit."

Wyar dded, “We also thank Dan for his years of passion, dedication and steadfast commitment to the brand and team.”

New York-based Dotdash Meredith also announced the promotion of Zoë Ruderman to vice president and general manager of People digital, overseeing all digital efforts. Since Ruderman joined the brand’s digital leadership in 2018, People.com's audience has grown by over 120%, and the site now reaches more than 70 million people each month, according to the company.

Both Vaccariello and Ruderman will report to Wyar.

“Being named editor-in-chief of People presents the opportunity of a lifetime, and I can't wait to partner with Zoë for this new chapter,” Vaccariello said.

And Ruderman said, “During my time here over the last ten years, I’ve watched People capture the minds of millions, and I look forward to welcoming a new generation of lifelong readers.”