Magazine publisher Condé Nast International has appointed a new president and managing director to replace Nicholas Coleridge, who will step down from both roles after 27 years in the organisation in July.
Wolfgang Blau (pictured), who currently heads up the publisher’s international digital operations, will become president on 1 August.
The move is aimed at “bringing digital authority to the heart of the organisation’s leadership”, according to a spokesperson.
Blau previously worked as executive director of digital strategy for Guardian News and Media and as editor of Zeit Online in Germany. He became chief digital officer at Condé Nast International in December last year.
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Jonathan Newhouse, chairman and chief executive of Condé Nast International, said: “Wolfgang Blau is a rare executive who can combine digital mastery with the journalistic talent and experience needed to redefine excellence in the digital age.”
Also on 1 August, Albert Read will step into the role of managing director.
Read joined the company in 2001 and was promoted to become deputy managing director in 2010, He was responsible for setting up the publisher’s Luxury Conference arm.
Coleridge said: “All those of us who have worked closely with Albert over the past ten years know him to be a first rate media executive, with skills and accomplishments not only on the management and commercial sides of the business, but a sharp eye for editorial quality in both print and digital.
“The thing about Albert is that he is smart, hard-working, well-informed, has good judgement and is thoroughly professional in everything he does. He is also a very great pleasure to work with.”
Read added: “I long admired Condé Nast in my early life and have been delighted to have been intimately involved in the business since I joined some years ago.
“It will be an honour and a privilege to lead a stable of titles which, in all their manifestations, put such a strong emphasis on imagination and excellence. With the strength of the brands and the breadth of talent that we have, there are tremendous opportunities ahead.”
Condé Nast International has also announced a sweep of newly created roles.
Jamie Jouning, currently Publisher of British Glamour, takes on the newly created executive role of Vogue digital director, overseeing the brand’s digital business across 21 country markets. His responsibilities will not include American Vogue.
“Jouning’s appointment as International Vogue Digital Director will make it easier for our advertising partners to harness Vogue’s enormous digital strengths around the world,” said Newhouse.
James Woolhouse is also appointed to the newly created position of executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Woolhouse has served as the company’s Asia Pacific President, based in Hong Kong, since 2005 and previously held management positions in Britain, Australia and Japan. He will continue to supervise the Asia-Pacific region while taking on wider responsibilities.
Jason Miles, the company’s director of planning, has been named director of finance and strategy.
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