Major editorial changes were announced this morning effecting the Hearst Home Group, which includes House Beautiful, Town&Country and Veranda. The announcement was made by Cathleen P. Black, president, Hearst Magazines, to whom all three editors will report.
Stephen Drucker, formerly editor in chief of House Beautiful, was named editor in chief of Town&Country, replacing longtime editor Pamela Fiori, who will remain with the magazine as editor-at-large. Newell Turner, formerly style director of House Beautiful, was named editor in chief of House Beautiful. Dara Caponigro, formerly editor at large of Domino, will be editor in chief of Veranda, replacing founder Lisa Newsom, who will remain with the magazine as editor-at-large.
Drucker succeeds Pamela Fiori, Town&Country’s editor in chief since 1993, who will become editor-at-large and work on Town&Country–related books and editorial projects. Caponigro succeeds Lisa Newsom, Veranda’s founder and editor in chief since 1987, who will also become an editor-at-large and oversee Veranda-related books and editorial projects. “Stephen, Newell and Dara are highly creative, talented and successful editors with extensive backgrounds across a wide and diverse group of magazines,” Black said. “They all bring exciting new ideas and energy to their positions. I am confident that they will build on the distinguished work of their predecessors and will lead Town&Country, House Beautiful and Veranda, respectively, to many more years of continued success with readers and advertisers.”
“We thank Pamela and Lisa for shepherding two of Hearst’s most resplendent titles and representing Hearst and their devoted readers of their magazines with distinction,” said Frank A. Bennack Jr., vice chairman and chief executive officer, Hearst Corporation. “We look forward to the continuation of the fine traditions each magazine embodies and the introduction of the fresh perspectives that new editors-in-chief will bring.”
Black continued: “Pamela’s focus on the ‘good life well lived’ really resonated with readers and elevated Town&Country to celebrated status. Twenty-three years ago, Veranda began as Lisa’s vision and, by the careful curating of the most beautiful houses and interiors, she created an international brand of the highest level of sophistication, increasing circulation to nearly half a million in the years following its acquisition by Hearst. In Stephen's nearly five years at House Beautiful, he revitalized the magazine, bringing new design talent to its pages as well as major editorial platforms, specifically in the arenas of color and kitchens.”
Under Drucker’s leadership, House Beautiful enjoyed accelerating newsstand growth, up nearly 20 percent since he took over in October 2005, and was named to Advertising Age’s “A List” in 2008. Prior to joining Hearst Magazines, Drucker was a contributing writer for Architectural Digest from 2001 to 2005. Previously, he was executive vice president of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and editor in chief of Martha Stewart Living from 1996 to 2001. Before that, Drucker was executive editor of Travel + Leisure and features director of HG magazine. From 1988 to 1992, he worked at The New York Times, where he was editor of the Home section and created the Sunday Styles section.
“Town&Country has been an iconic brand for more than 160 years, evolving with the times but always recognizable as a symbol of quality and luxury,” Drucker said. “I plan to build on the T&C tradition of reflecting our readers’ lives, passions and pursuits, while adding exciting new contemporary voices and ideas to the already successful mix.”
“It's been a privilege and an honor to lead Town&Country for these past 17 years,” Fiori said. “I look forward to working with Stephen in this important transition and leading a variety of projects to extend the Town&Country brand. This new role allows me to continue to give our readers the best of what we have to offer.”
Turner, who has been style director of House Beautiful under Drucker since January 2006, was editor in chief of the Cottages & Gardens Publications—Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens and Connecticut Cottages & Gardens—from 2002 to 2006. Prior to that, he was style director for Gruner + Jahr’s HomeStyle and, before that, managing editor for Internet startup Room12.com. From 1997 to 2000, he was style editor of House & Garden and earlier in his career held several senior positions at Metropolitan Home.
“Working with Stephen Drucker these past four years has been such a privilege; it is so rewarding to be a part of the success of the magazine,” Turner said. “House Beautiful documents the trends in American design, inspiring readers with ideas, information and expert opinions. I’m ready to continue that conversation.”
Caponigro was a founding editor of Domino, where she was style director from 2004 to 2009. During that time, the magazine was nominated for two National Magazine Awards. Prior to that, she spent 12 years at House Beautiful in a variety of editorial positions, including Southern editor within the design and decoration department. Caponigro also created and owned a business dealing in European antiques. She began her career at the Cooper-Hewitt Museum. “Veranda’s graciousness and refinement make it a truly unique shelter magazine,” Caponigro said. “It is a luxurious, glossy read for a global audience of design aficionados, and I’m eager to excite them with new sources, new designers and amazing locations.”
Veranda celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2007 and will continue to have offices in New York and Atlanta. It was acquired by Hearst Magazines in 2002 and is distributed throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. “Growing Veranda into the prestige brand it is today is a great source of pride, and I look forward to developing even more interesting ways to share it with design connoisseurs around the world,” Newsom said.
