With Grazia laid to rest, Bauer Media Group is forging ahead with its next venture and has appointed an editor-in-chief for Elle Australia.
The company, in conjunction with Hearst Magazines International and Lagardère Active, today confirmed that Justine Cullen will take the helm at Elle Australia once it is launched in September.
Cullen, awarded Publishers Australia Editor of the Year for 2012, will give up her current post as editor of sister title Shop ‘Til You Drop, to take up the role.
Commenting on the highly-anticipated appointment, Hearst-Bauer Media joint venture publisher Peter Holder said the interview process was “extensive”.
Hearst Magazines International senior vice president and editorial director Kim St Clair Bodden added that Cullen was a perfect fit for the role.
“A world-class magazine brand needs a strong editor at its helm. Justine Cullen is the ideal choice: her deep understanding of the brand, coupled with her vision and expert knowledge of the market, make her the perfect ambassador for Elle. We are thrilled to have her on board.”
Cullen said she is looking forward to taking on the position as the title debuts on local shores.
“All around the world, Elle is known to be modern, relevant, sexy, smart, spirited and fun – making it, in my mind, a perfect fit for Australian women. I'm incredibly excited to be bringing this phenomenal brand to the Australian market,” she said.
As the largest fashion magazine brand in the world, Elle's current global circulation stands at 6,560,000, with 21 million readers across 43 editions.
Globally, the title also currently comprises 34 local websites, 28 million unique web visitors, 13 mobile apps and 16 thematic mobile apps, 18 iPad apps and eight thematic iPad apps, more than 2.5 million Facebook likes and 3.5 million Twitter followers.
The first issue of Elle Australia is scheduled for sale in late September, with its local website, Elle.com.au, to launch in August.