Johnson Publishing Company announces new editor-in-chief of Ebony

Chairman & CEO Linda Johnson Rice begins enhancement of senior management team

Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. announced today the appointment of its new Editor-in-Chief of EBONY magazine, Amy DuBois Barnett.

Barnett is an award-winning media executive, writer and brand architect. Most recently, she was the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar. Prior to that stint, Barnett held top masthead positions at Teen People, entering history books as the first African-American woman in the country to head a major mainstream consumer magazine, and at Honey Magazine, where she doubled the circulation.

“I am extremely pleased to bring Amy DuBois Barnett on as part of the new leadership team,” said Rice. “She brings with her a wealth of experience, a keen journalistic eye and solid editorial judgment, which will serve well to help redefine the EBONY brand within the ever-changing marketplace.”

Barnett is a Brown University graduate and also has a M.F.A degree in creative writing from Columbia University. She is the author of Get Yours: How to Have Everything You Ever Dreamed of and More, an NAACP Image Award-nominated book for Black women.

“EBONY has always represented the best of African-African achievement, society and culture, and I couldn’t be more honored to be at the helm as we enhance this icon for the 21st century,” said Barnett. “I’m excited to bring the EBONY brand to multiple media platforms and to engage new audiences who will surely be moved by its resonant, provocative and authoritative perspective on today’s African-American experience.”

The new appointment will replace Harriette Cole as acting Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director.

“Harriette Cole has been an exceptional contributor to EBONY in her role as acting Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director in the continuing evolution of the magazine,” said Rice. “She was an integral part of landing key covers including First-lady Michelle Obama, Oscar-award nominee Gabourey Sidibe and musical icon Prince. We wish her well in her future endeavors.”

“It has been an incredible journey and privilege to help build the EBONY brand during my tenure as acting Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director,” said Cole. “I am excited about EBONY‘s bright future.”