Tara Kraft Named Editor-in-Chief of Shape

NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- David J. Pecker, President, Chairman and CEO of American Media, Inc. (AMI) today announced that longtime Star Beauty and Fashion Director Tara Kraft has been named editor-in-chief of Shape.

"As always, we continue to conduct substantial research into learning what our readers are looking for and expecting out of Shape.  By expanding the content to incorporate even more lifestyle, we will deliver on those expectations," said David J. Pecker, President, Chairman and CEO of AMI.  "I'm confident that Tara will produce a fresh, well-rounded magazine that will maintain Shape's respected voice in health and fitness, while adding a greater lifestyle sensibility to the brand."

"I am thrilled to take on the role as editor-in-chief," said Ms. Kraft. "While health and fitness will always be Shape's core, we will be taking it to the next level when it comes to both content and design.  We will continue to cover a broad range of subjects in a new, exciting way that will energize readers each time they pick up the magazine or visit the website.  It will be an empowering, must-read, that not only inspires women to set life-improving goals, but gives them the tools to reach them."  

Kraft has been with AMI since 2003, serving as Beauty and Fashion Director of Star magazine throughout her tenure. During her years at Star, Kraft has played a particularly significant role in developing the lifestyle pages of the magazine, a significant component of the successful 2004 re-launch of Star as a glossy.

Kraft will report to Mr. Pecker effective today, replacing Valerie Latona who leaves the company after a long and successful tenure with the magazine.  

"Shape is—and always has been—a powerful brand and it has been an honor to help motivate its almost 7 million readers every month to live healthier and better lives," said Valerie Latona.  "As I have always said to Shape's readers, it's important to take risks in life and try new things, and now I'm taking my own advice and heading off into my next adventure."

"I'd like to thank Valerie for her hard work and dedication to the Shape brand and wish her well in all of her future endeavors," stated Mr. Pecker.

About American Media, Inc.

American Media, Inc. is the leading publisher of celebrity journalism and health and fitness magazines in the U.S. These include Star, Shape, Men's Fitness, Fit Pregnancy, Natural Health, and The National Enquirer.  In addition to print properties, AMI manages 14 different web sites. The company also owns Distribution Services, Inc., the country's #1 in-store magazine merchandising company.

SOURCE American Media, Inc.