NEW YORK, March 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Veteran journalist, editor and culture & style expert Constance C. R. White has been named Editor-in-Chief of ESSENCE, it was announced today by Time Inc. Editor-in-Chief John Huey.  Her appointment is effective March 21, 2011.

Prior to joining ESSENCE, White served as Style Director, Brand Consultant and Spokesperson for the leading online company eBay, where she developed content and strategies aimed at women.  She is credited with conceiving and creating eBay's first web-zine, as well as developing a comprehensive editorial environment.

White was previously the founding Fashion Editor for Talk magazine, a celebrated Style Reporter for The New York Times and the Executive Fashion Editor for Elle magazine.  She also served as Associate Editor at Women's Wear Daily and W magazine and began her career at Ms. magazine, as assistant to co-Founder Gloria Steinem.  

"We are pleased to welcome this highly accomplished journalist to Essence and to Time Inc.," said Huey.  "Her 20-year career in editorial has exemplified excellence at the highest levels for many of the world's most trusted brands, and her leadership will assure ESSENCE's position as the preeminent publication for African-American women."

"As a visionary and consummate communicator, Constance has established an unparalleled connection with women across multiple platforms," commented ESSENCE President Michelle Ebanks. "Constance is passionate about the needs of Black women and making sure that they have the tools to make their boldest dreams come true."

Additionally, White is the author of "Stylenoir", a ground breaking book on black style, published by Perigee/Putnam.  She has written extensively on culture, style, lifestyle and contemporary issues and her work has appeared in British Vogue, Glamour, Essence and The International Herald Tribune.  White earned a B.A. in Journalism from New York University and has been active in the National Association of Black Journalists and the Black Retail Action Group.

Former ESSENCE editor Marcia Ann Gillespie, who assisted in the search for the new Editor-in-Chief, will join ESSENCE as Special Projects Director, effective immediately.  Marcia will work closely with the Editor-in-Chief and the President on a range of issues regarding the magazine and the ESSENCE brand.

ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS INC.:

Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the number one media and communications company dedicated to African-American women.  With a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events, and online, the Essence brand is "Where Black Women Come First".  The company's flagship publication, ESSENCE magazine, is the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women; generating brand extensions such as the Essence Music Festival, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood, Window on Our Women (WOW I & II) and Smart Beauty I, II & III consumer insights, the Essence Book Club, Essence.com, and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD). For  more than 40 years, ESSENCE magazine, which has a brand reach of over 8 million, has been the leading source of cutting-edge information relating to every area of African-American women's lives.  Additional information about ECI and ESSENCE is available at www.essence.com.

SOURCE ESSENCE Magazine