Ellen Kunes Named Editor-in-Chief of New Oprah Winfrey Magazine

Posted on August 25, 1999

Hearst Magazines President Cathleen P. Black has announced that Ellen Kunes has been appointed editor-in-chief of the new Oprah Winfrey magazine, the co-venture between Hearst Magazines and Oprah, which will debut in spring 2000. The appointment is effective September 13. Kunes most recently served as executive editor at Cosmopolitan. Prior to that she was also executive editor at Redbook.

"My goal is to improve the lives of women, and this magazine will be another important way to help them achieve their own goals," said Oprah Winfrey. "Ellen's ability to connect with women is extraordinary. Combine that with her unique editing and writing skills, and I am certain we will have a magazine that is both trusted and inspiring."

"I am thrilled to join the staff of the new Oprah magazine as editor-in-chief," said Kunes. "With each issue I plan to translate Oprah's message of empowerment and inspiration to the magazine's pages. We want to make this the personal growth guide for the new century -- giving readers all the tools they need to get what they want out of life."

Kunes served as lifestyle director at McCall's from 1991 to 1994. Previously she held the posts of senior editor at Self, contributing editor at Omni and consulting editor at Mademoiselle. Kunes is also the author of Living Well -- Or Even Better -- On Less, published in 1991 by Perigee/Putnam.