• May 15, 2006

Rodale Inc., publisher of magazines including Men's Health and Prevention, is planning to expand its brands with several new lines of products--including more videos and books and an expanded online presence. According to President and CEO Steve Murphy, the move is based on the promising returns Rodale has already seen on this kind of investment: "When we have done so in books, online, videos, and licensing, we have been very successful in building both consumer and advertiser share of the market." Rodale Senior Vice President Jim Berra will head up the effort as the leader of the brand marketing group, where he will be in charge of identifying new markets. He will also be responsible for communicating with the chief editors of Rodale's various publications to facilitate the flow of content and editorial expertise.

--Erik Sass