Reader’s Digest magazine has hired Tracey Altman as its new VP and publisher, effective October 13.
Jeff Wellington, the former VP and publisher, left his position in May.
Altman last served as SVP and group publisher at Publishing Group of America, which publishes newspaper insert magazines such as Relish and Spry. At her new post, she will report directly to Eva Dillon, president of Reader’s Digest Association and RD Community.
“Tracey has a track record of success launching three of the largest-circulation magazines in the country,” Dillon said in a statement. “She has a solid base of client relationships and the experience building marketing proposals that are innovative and can cross platforms and channels.
According to the magazine’s publisher’s statement from June 30, 2008, Reader’s Digest had a total paid and verified circulation of 8.45 million — a drop compared with the last two years, when total paid and verified circulation for 2007 was reported at 9,684,759, and 2006 saw numbers hit 10,094,284.
“At Reader’s Digest we are continuing to invest in the company’s flagship,” Dillon added. “With the redesign of both the magazine and the Web site complete and the new ‘Life Well Shared’ editorial and marketing platform resonating with readers and advertisers, Tracey will oversee a greater emphasis on utilizing all the assets in the RD Community affinity to leverage marketing and ad sales growth.”
