• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, October 19, 2007

Julie McGowan is leaving her position as senior vice-president and publisher of American Express Publishing's Travel + Leisure magazine, with her resignation effective today. McGowan occupied the position for just over a year, having previously worked as publisher at Amex's Food & Wine. Although she gave no specifics, McGowan told Mediaweek, "I have just decided that for a bunch of personal and professional reasons, it's time to move on." According to the Publishers Information Bureau, in the first three quarters of 2007 Travel + Leisure's ad pages have fallen 16.4% compared to the same period in 2006. Competitors in the epicurean category are also struggling, with Gourmet, for example, down 7.2% in the same period.

Debra Brandt Named Publisher, Traditional Home

Meredith Corporation announced Tuesday that Debra Brandt has been appointed publisher of Traditional Home magazine, effective October 22. Brandt, who is replacing Pam Daniels, comes to Traditional Home from Hour Media, where she served as publisher of New York Home and Absolute. Previously, she also served as publisher of Western Interiors and Design, and Golf for Women, as well as Eastern advertising director for Redbook.

Alpha Media Hires Joe Mangione

Alpha Media, the new owner of Maxim and Blender, has hired Joe Mangione to serve as CMO for the company. In his position, Mangione will be responsible for integrated marketing for both pubs' print and online ops. Mangione is coming out of retirement to take the position; his most recent employment was as president of sales and marketing for CanWest Global Communications, a Canadian media conglomerate with television, newspaper and Internet operations.

Brad Wieners has been named the new editor of Men's Journal, owner Wenner Media announced this week. Wieners replaces Jim Kaminsky, who left Men's Journal for Maxim in August. Wieners previously served as executive editor of the magazine, beginning December 2005. Before this, he worked for Wired, Outside and National Geographic.

Nancy Hallberg Returns to Bonnier's Parenting Group

Nancy Hallberg, who served as group vice president for marketing at the Parenting Group when it was owned by Time Inc., is returning to the group under new management by the Bonnier Corp., which purchased the Parenting Group in January of this year. During her hiatus from the Parenting Group, Hallberg worked for Conde Nast as director of custom research for online and consumer marketing. Her new title at the Parenting Group is chief strategy officer.

Stephen Yee Named President of Scientific American

Stephen Yee has been named president of Scientific American, the venerable science and technology title. He comes to the company from Reuters Media, where he most recently served as senior vice-president and head of global marketing. He will oversee print and digital editorial, publishing, and international operations.

Wired Promotes Josh Stinchcomb, Caitie Murphy

Josh Stinchcomb has been hired by Wired Media to oversee sales and marketing for its Web site, Wired.com, in the newly created role of associate publisher for Wired Digital. In this capacity, Stinchcomb will also be responsible for sales and marketing for Reddit, another Conde Nast property. Caitie Murphy has been promoted from merchandising director to director of integrated marketing for Wired Media.

Hachette Names John Weisgerber Director of Digital Ads

Hachette Filipacchi has appointed John Weisgerber vice president and director of digital advertising. The appointment, effective immediately, creates a new position in the company. Before joining Hachette, Weisgerber served as group advertising director for Forbes.com, as well as fulfilling other roles at Forbesautos.com and corporate sales.