Wolff (Newser)
The Michael Wolff era of Adweek is over.
Wolff, the Vanity Fair columnist and Rupert Murdoch biographer who was hired by Adweek as its editorial director last fall to relaunch the trade publication, is stepping down. Executive editor Jim Cooper replaces Wolff.
Wolff's exit follows weeks of speculation that his days at Adweek were numbered.
Here's the statement from Prometheus Global Media, Adweek's parent company:
Michael Wolff leaves his post as Editorial Director of leading media industry publication Adweek, parent company Prometheus Global Media announces today. Executive Editor Jim Cooper has been tapped to oversee the day-to-day operations of Adweek and Adweek.com, effective immediately.
"We are grateful for Michael's contribution to Adweek," says James Finkelstein, Chairman of Prometheus Global Media. "His vision and guidance were essential during our monumental transformation." Finkelstein adds, "We welcome Jim in his expanded role. As a seasoned journalist, long-time leader of the former Mediaweek, and an integral part of the re-launching of Adweek, he is well equipped to guide the publication through this transition."
"I've had a fantastic time at Adweek," says Wolff. "It's been my privilege to be part of the brilliant transformation of the magazine and site. I can't rave enough about Adweek's remarkable staff. I am sad to leave but sure the talent here will continue to do great things. I'm grateful to everybody at Prometheus for giving me this opportunity and this wonderful year."
Adweek's spring 2011 re-launch saw a consolidation of three titles into one, a redesign to accompany the rejuvenation of editorial, a transformation of the website, enhanced engagement through trademark properties like The Hot List and additional conferences and events. Cooper assumes his new oversight as Adweek posts some of its strongest results of the year, with key metrics trending up.
"As media, advertising and marketing continue to experience rapid and exciting transformation, Adweek is well positioned to continue to be the leading news brand in the space," says Cooper. "We will continue to be fast to break news, analyze that news with authority and allow the industry's voice to be heard through the magazine's pages and Adweek.com."