Meredith Announces Editorial Restructuring of Special Interest Publications

Posted on February 15, 2002

Meredith Corporation is organizing the creative operation of its Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications (SIP) into three groups: Building and Remodeling with 43 issues; Decorating with 29 issues; and Gardening with 20 issues. As part of the SIP editorial restructuring, Bill Reed, Meredith's Vice President and Publishing Director, announced the appointment of an overall Director of Editorial Administration and an Editor-in-Chief for each group.

"The Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications are the largest collection of newsstand publications in the world, with 104 releases in 2001 -- up from 76 five years ago," said Reed. "While that operating structure has served us well, we must position SIP for future growth."

Mike Maine is being promoted to Director, Editorial Administration, and will oversee the three SIP operating groups. "Mike's strong editorial management and administration skills will be critical in increasing the efficiency of operations and functions," said Reed.

Gayle Butler, who will become Editor-in-Chief of the Building and Remodeling Group, joined Meredith Corporation in 1983. In 1985 she joined the staff of Better Homes and Gardens magazine as Associate Editor. In 1994, she became Editor of Remodeling Ideas, one of the company's SIPs. She became Managing Editor for the SIP organization in 1997 and was named Executive Editor in 1998.

Sandra Soria, Senior Deputy Editor of the Better Homes and Gardens magazine Home Design department, has been promoted to Editor-in-Chief of the Decorating Group. Soria began her Meredith career in 1985 as a staff writer and researcher. She moved quickly into the role of Associate Decorating Editor for the company's SIPs. She was promoted to Senior Interior Design Editor of Better Homes and Gardens in 1989, and to BH&G Executive Interior Design Editor in 1996.

Doug Jimerson will return to Meredith Corporation to become Editor-in-Chief of the Gardening Group. During his Meredith career, including 18 years as Executive Garden Editor of Better Homes and Gardens magazine, Jimerson edited and authored 15 garden books. He also edited a wide array of special interest publications, assisted with the launch of the Better Homes and Gardens/Wal-Mart garden centers, and developed the first Better Homes and Gardens Test Gardens.