Time Inc. Vet Sareyan Joins Better Homes

Meredith Corp. has promoted several executives and hired Time Inc. veteran Andy Sareyan to oversee its flagship title Better Homes and Gardens.

Sareyan was named president of the 7.6 million-circ Better Homes and Gardens and executive vp, Meredith Publishing Group, a new position. He will report directly to Jack Griffin, president of Meredith Publishing Group. Better Homes publisher Amy Wilkins and editor in chief Karol Nickell will report to Sareyan.

Sareyan left Time Inc. in December when 105 staffers were laid off amidst a major corporate reorganization. He served 18 years at Time Inc., most recently as president of Entertainment Weekly. He was also president of the Parenting Group, founding publisher of Real Simple and associate publisher of InStyle.

Additionally, several Meredith executives were promoted. Wendy Riches was bumped up to executive vp, Meredith Publishing Group, overseeing strategy and development for Meredith's Internet properties. Riches joined the company last year as executive vp, Meredith Integrated Marketing.

Nancy Weber was promoted to chief marketing officer. Weber was most recently vice president/group marketing director. She will continue to oversee corporate marketing, but will also preside over Meredith's research unit. Britta Ware, executive director of research, will now report to Weber.

Tom Harty was also promoted to executive vp, Meredith Publishing Group, overseeing group sales and operations for Meredith's consumer titles. Harty, who joined Meredith in 2004 from Advance Publications, was most recently senior vp/general manger publishing director, where he was responsible for duties including direct response & travel sales, retail marketing and planning and analysis. Jack Baumberger was promoted to senior vp, corporate sales from vp, corporate sales, reporting to Harty.

Also, Michael Brownstein, senior vp publishing director will now oversee advertising sales and marketing for Family Circle in addition to his responsibilities for business and editorial management for Country Home, Traditional Home, Midwest Living, Special Interest Publications ad sales and Meredith Home Solutions. Doug Olson, senior vp operations, will add Meredith's Newsstand Group to his duties, while Mike Lafavore, editorial director will now oversee Family Circle in addition to his editiorial responsibilities for Fitness.