Hearst has shaken up the top Web jobs at Cosmopolitan and
Elle. The magazine publisher's digital arm just announced that Amy Odell, who
previously edited fashion coverage at BuzzFeed, will serve as editor of
Cosmopolitan.com and Leah Chernikoff, editorial director at Fashionista, will
edit Elle.com.
But with the new hires come layoffs. Mashable reported
earlier that Elle.com editor Amina Akhtar and Cosmopolitan digital director
Abby Gardner were shown the door this morning. Hearst did not respond to
multiple requests for comment on the layoffs, but Akhtar confirmed her
departure in an email to Adweek—and heaped praise on her now-former colleagues.
"These things happen," she said. "The only thing I will say is
that I've worked with an awesome team—both digital and print—to create one of
the best fashion sites out there. And it's been incredible working with everyone,
including [Elle editor in chief] Robbie [Myers], who is the best there
is." Odell and Chernikoff are scheduled to start their new jobs on Sept.
16, Hearst said in its release. Hearst also announced that it has hired Spin
Media's Annie Fox to serve as "director of programming to work with
content and product teams to evolve stronger community connections and expand
the network of contributors." “Cosmo and Elle are starting important
conversations, breaking news and offering commentary on the big stories that
matter to our users: young women who care about the worlds of fashion,
entertainment, politics, women’s issues and world news,” said Hearst Magazines
Digital Media president Troy Young in a statement. “Amy’s well-respected point
of view will drive Cosmo as the site evolves its content; Leah’s deep knowledge
of the industry and her news sensibility will grow Elle.com’s influence as a
leading voice of fashion and style online and Annie’s analytic expertise will
take everything we do to the next level of engagement.”
