Condé Nast's Food Group Publishing Director Is Out

Carol Smith is now out as publishing director of Condé Nast's food group; she had only been there since April. Via WWD's John Koblin, Smith's statement: "The opportunity turned out not to be what either Conde Nast or I expected."

According to FishbowlNY, Bill Wackermann has been promoted to executive vice president, and he appointed Paul Jowdy vice president and publisher of Bon Appétit and the Gourmet brand. This is all probably connected to yesterday's big re-org at Condé Nast Digital.

Back in April, Smith told WWD said she might do things like create “custom magazines” (in which an advertiser would produce a newsstand Gourmet magazine and own every ad) or work with retailers on "Gourmet-branded items." Neither of which happened. Her tenure did see the release of the Gourmet Live iPad thing and the recyclotron that was Gourmet Quick Kitchen, but it's unclear how much of a hand she had in those.

This shuffling is also possibly connected to the impending announcement of a new editor of Bon Appétit magazine to replace the departing Barbara Fairchild.

Press Release

WILLIAM WACKERMANN NAMED EVP, PUBLISHING DIRECTOR WITH ADDED OVERSIGHT OF BON APPE?TIT AND GOURMET BRAND

New York, N.Y., October 28, 2010 - William Wackermann has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Publishing Director of Glamour, Brides, W, and Details and will assume additional business responsibilities for Bon Appe?tit and the Gourmet brand, it was announced today by Charles H. Townsend, Chief Executive Officer of Conde? Nast. The appointment is effective immediately. Bon Appe?tit and the Gourmet brand were overseen by Carol A. Smith, who is leaving the company.

As Mr. Wackermann’s first order of business, he is naming Paul Jowdy Vice President and Publisher of Bon Appe?tit and the Gourmet brand, a position Mr. Jowdy held prior to becoming Senior Executive Director under Ms. Smith.

“Bill brings a record of leadership, marketing expertise and brand building success to this expanded role,” Mr. Townsend noted. “His sales and promotion acumen, joined with Paul’s epicurean and category knowledge, is a strong combination and one we expect great results from.”

· Carol Smith Out As Publishing Director For Condé Nast's Food Group [FishbowlNY]
· As Expected, A Big Re-Org At Conde Nast Digital [Business Insider]
· All Bon Appetit Coverage on Eater [-E-]