Reader's Digest Association Announces Change in Editorial Management of Reader's Digest Magazine

NEW YORK, Oct. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. today announced that effective October 31, 2011, as part of a planned reorganization, Peggy Northrop, Global Editor-In-Chief of Reader's Digest magazine, will be leaving the company.  Ms. Northrop will continue as an advisor to the company in the role of International Editor-at-Large with a focus on its international magazine business.    

Robert E. Guth, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "On behalf of the entire company, we thank Peggy for her many accomplishments during her years as Global Editor-in-Chief of Reader's Digest, including our first National Magazine Award for General Excellence and the launch of the Reader's Digest Version book series.  Peggy and her team took what the magazine had historically stood for and dramatically modernized and refreshed it, setting the stage for the brand's overall transformation.  We are pleased that Peggy will remain as an advisor who will work closely with me as well as Dawn Zier, President, Reader's Digest International, on driving Reader's Digest magazine forward outside of the U.S."

Ms. Northrop said, "I am extremely proud of what my team has accomplished over the last four years in transforming the Reader's Digest brand. The strong growth in new audiences for our digital editions, along with this year's gains in advertising and partnership revenue, reflect the importance of great content and the continued strength of the Reader's Digest brand.  With the reorganization of our business, this is an optimum time for me to move on.  I'm looking forward to taking what we've learned in the U.S. and focusing our international teams for success."

About The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.

RDA is a global media and direct marketing company that educates, entertains and connects more than 140 million consumers around the world with products and services from trusted brands. With offices in 44 countries, the Company reaches customers in 79 countries, publishes 90 magazines, including 50 editions of Reader's Digest, the world's largest-circulation magazine, operates 83 branded websites and sells nearly 40 million books, music and video products across the world each year. Further information about the Company can be found at www.rda.com.

RDA contacts:
Media: Gary Davis, 646-293-6206
Investors:  Bryan Berndt, 646-293-6054

SOURCE The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.