Magazine Networks (MN) executive director Mary Ann Azer is leaving the industry body after Pacific Magazines, Bauer Media and NewsLifeMedia decided to take active control of it.
Tomorrow will be the last day of Azer’s four-year stint at MN. She said in an email her departure was part of the publishers’ plans to move forward the body and its leadership in a unified manner.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working for MN and all that we have achieved, and am looking forward to my next challenge,” she said.
Gereurd Roberts, CEO of Pacific and chairman of MN, said in a statement: “There has been amazing evolution and innovation across all of the Magazine Networks publishers over the past two years, and it is time for us to step up, take ownership and do a better job of communicating that. It is incumbent on us.
“In that event, we’ve made the decision to come together and take a more active, collaborative role in the future running and direction of Magazine Networks.
“I look forward to working more closely with Paul [Dykzeul] and Nicole [Sheffield] as we tell the story of how, more than ever, our brands are leveraging their intimate relationships with audiences beyond the traditional printed form and ultimately offering trusted, targeted and contextually relevant environments for our partners.
“We would also like to thank Mary Ann for her warmth, insight and passion during her time with Magazine Networks, and wish her well in her next chapter.”
