INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Emmis Publishing, owner of leading city and regional magazines around the country, has announced a series of leadership changes impacting Texas Monthly and Cincinnati magazines.

Elynn Russell, President of Texas Monthly, has announced she will retire effective March 1^st. Russell has
worked at Texas Monthly for more than 37 years. She started as an assistant to the magazine's founder, Michael R. Levy, and after working in almost every department throughout her career, was promoted to President in October, 2009.  During her tenure, Texas Monthly expanded its digital and events programming to record levels, and the magazine received three National Magazine Awards and sixteen nominations. "I'd like to thank Elynn for the strong leadership, vision and passion for Texas Monthly's mission that she brought to work every day.  She is beloved by all of her colleagues at Texas Monthly and Emmis Publishing and will be missed," said Greg Loewen, Emmis Publishing President. She will bear the title, President Emerita, in recognition of her many years of outstanding contribution to Texas Monthly.

John Lunn, Cincinnati President & Publisher, has been named President of Texas Monthly.  A 15-year veteran of Emmis Publishing, Lunn started as an Account Representative at Atlanta magazine. In 2002, he was promoted to Advertising Director of Cincinnati and then to President and Publisher in 2010. Under his leadership, Cincinnati has produced consistent revenue and profit growth and significantly diversified its portfolio beyond the main magazine to include 20 custom publications, five ancillary issues, numerous digital initiatives, and 13 major events.

"I am honored and excited to join the Texas Monthly team and grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an iconic, award-winning brand," Lunn said. "Texas Monthly is one of the most highly-regarded brands in media and I will do my best to serve generations of Texans with world class editorial, events and digital experiences for years to come. I look forward to partnering with Texas Monthly's local, regional and national clients to grow their businesses and continuing the legacy of excellence that Texas Monthly is known for."

Ivy Bayer, Director of Advertising at Cincinnati, has been named Publisher of the magazine, replacing Lunn. Bayer joined the Cincinnati sales team in 2004, and quickly emerged as a natural sales leader and has been a key contributor to the successful growth and diversification of Cincinnati. The team at Cincinnati is excited to welcome Ivy as their new leader and we are confident she will take the brand to new heights.

Finally, Texas Monthly Publisher, Amy Updegrove, has resigned from her position, effective immediately.  Updegrove has been a key member of the senior leadership team at Emmis Publishing for many years, previously serving as Vice-President/Group Publisher of National Sales and Publisher, Los Angeles.  Her talents and spirit will be missed and we wish her well in her future endeavors.

About Emmis Publishing
Emmis Publishing includes marquee titles including Atlanta, Cincinnati, Indianapolis Monthly, Los Angeles, Orange Coast, and Texas Monthly magazines.

Contact: Kate Snedeker, kate@emmis.com

SOURCE Emmis Publishing