Elizabeth Schimel (pictured) is currently Executive Vice President - Chief Digital Officer of Meredith, one of the largest magazine publishers in the United States. She will take charge of the Beijing-based Condé Nast unit, responsible for magazine brands including Vogue, Self and Gentlemen’s Quarterly which are published under copyright cooperation agreements with various Chinese publishers, a form of collaboration commonly used in China.
Elizabeth Schimel, who previously held executive positions at Nokia and the cable television company Comcast, is herself fluent in Mandarin, having studied in Beijing, where she met her future husband.
“Condé Nast’s commitment to excellence and its thriving presence in China offer a unique platform for growth. It is an irresistible opportunity,” said Elizabeth Schimel.
Jonathan Newhouse, Chairman and Chief Executive of Condé Nast International commented, “Liz Schimel’s track record of success, experience in publishing including digital, and family ties to China make her the ideal person to lead the enterprise.”
James Woolhouse, President of Condé Nast Asia Pacific, said, “Liz represents a new class of executive, with exceptional digital credentials in addition to her publishing experience. She can make a huge contribution to Condé Nast International.”
In addition to the magazine brands Vogue, Self and Gentlemen’s Quarterly, the business unit includes AD, a decorating magazine, and Condé Nast Traveler, both published by a Chinese publisher through a copyright cooperation agreement. There are also websites branded Vogue, Self and GQ.
Condé Nast International currently operates in 26 markets, publishing 121 magazines, 84 websites and 189 tablet and Smartphone apps, under such respected brands as Vogue, GQ, Glamour, Wired, Condé Nast Traveller, and Vanity Fair. Recent launches include Vogue in Thailand and Ukraine, Condé Nast Traveller in Russia and China, GQ in Brazil and Turkey, Allure in Russia, AD in China and India and Vanity Fair in France.
