• by Ray Schultz , July 31, 2025

Hearst Magazines has named Elspeth Velten as editor in chief of Good Housekeeping.

Velten will oversee editorial operations and content strategy across all of the title’s platforms, including Good Housekeeping Institute and Seal.

She succeeds Jane Francisco, who is stepping down after serving as editor in chief for 12 years. Francisco was editorial director of Country Living, Prevention and Woman's Day.

Previously, Velten was senior vice president and group general manager of Travel + Leisure and Parents at Dotdash Meredith. She also has been a founding editor of TripSavvy and an editor at Luxury Escapes, an e-commerce site based in Melbourne.      

“Elspeth has an exceptional track record of creating compelling content that not only engages but empowers audiences to live better, more informed lives,” says Debi Chirichella, president of Hearst Magazines.

Chirichella adds, “Her strong business acumen and profound understanding of Good Housekeeping’s rich legacy has helped shape a forward-looking vision that promises to expand the brand’s reach and further elevate its industry-leading approach to product testing and recommendations.”