W Selena Gomez March 2016 Cover
W magazine is amping up its digital efforts, doubling the size of its team in response to reader demand. The Condé glossy has added five newly created positions, with plans to add more by year-end. “It’s an exciting time of growth at W, as we expand our digital team,” said editor-in-chief Stefano Tonchi.
Jun Harada will join W as the executive digital director. Harada has held the title of senior director of audience engagement at Condé Nast Entertainment since 2012. Harada will now be tasked with overseeing W’s strategic growth across digital, mobile, and social platforms, as well as audience development and content. Ally Betker has joined W as the associate news editor from WWD, where she was a reporter for the Eye. Stephanie Eckardt has been named assistant digital editor after leaving her post as editorial assistant at New York Magazine’s The Cut. In addition to the new hires, W has promoted Fan Zhong to digital culture editor and Biel Parklee to digital photo editor.
“W is known for its provocative stories, immersive imagery, and addictive videos. Now we are able to produce more content across platforms, while maintaining a truly differentiated point of view,” said Tonchi.
The brand reported its highest month of traffic ever in December, thanks in part to its uber popular video post, “Drake’s ‘Hotline Bling’ Gets Reimagined by 13 Celebrities.” The magazine has increased video production and launched a new series in partnership with Condé Nast Entertainment in January called “Casting Call” and plans to debut more video content in the coming months. W also reported a 58 percent increase in digital revenue for 2015.
