American Media Names Diane Newman as New EVP Group Publishing Director and Brian Gruseke as VP/Publisher Shape

NEW YORK, March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- David J. Pecker, Chairman, President and CEO of American Media, Inc. (AMI), today announced the appointment of Diane Newman as Executive Vice President Group Publishing Director – Active Lifestyle Group (Shape, Fit Pregnancy and Natural Health). Mr. Pecker also named Brian Gruseke as Vice President/Publisher Shape and Director of Corporate Integrated Sales.

Most recently, Ms. Newman was VP Group Publisher at Meredith for their Parents Network which includes Parents and American Baby magazines. Prior to that, she had been with AMI as Senior Vice President/Group Publisher from 2003 to 2007, leading ad sales and marketing efforts for Shape, Fit Pregnancy, and Natural Health.  Under her leadership, Shape was named to the Adweek Hot List for three years in a row and became the dominant magazine within its competitive set.

"It is a major coup for AMI that we are able to bring Diane back," said Mr. Pecker.  "She has a wealth of experience and a proven track-record of delivering results. Possessing a deep understanding of our brands, I believe she will able to not only build them individually, but position them as part of a premier women's network in the coming year."

Ms. Newman added, "Returning to AMI is like coming home again. I have always had a strong attachment to Shape and believe tremendous opportunities lie ahead to grow all three brands across multiple platforms."

Before joining AMI, Brian Gruseke was the Group Associate Publisher at the Parents Network, a position he held since 2006. He joined Parents magazine in 2002 as the Eastern Sales Director. During his tenure, the magazine had record years in ad revenue and captured the #1 share-of-market.

Commenting on his new Shape publisher, Mr. Pecker said, "Brian has a proven history of delivering fully integrated and customized marketing solutions to clients, and he and Diane make a terrific team.  Better still, Brian will not only bring his talents to bear for Shape, but as our new head of Corporate Integrated Sales as well."

Ms. Newman and Mr. Gruseke will both report to Mr. Pecker effective Monday, March 22.

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, and Natural Health.  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.