Statement From Johnson Publishing Company, Inc.

Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. Chairman & CEO Linda Johnson Rice today announced the resignation of President and COO Anne Sempowski Ward.

On behalf of the entire Johnson Publishing Company family, we wish Anne continued success in her new endeavors. Serving as president & COO, Anne was an integral part in helping to strengthen the entire organization.

"Anne has been a significant asset to our company and led key, corporate-wide initiatives for EBONY, JET and Fashion Fair,” said Johnson Rice. “During Anne’s tenure, we underwent significant restructuring and reorganization of the company,” Johnson Rice added. “Her contributions have helped to position the company for the future.”

“It has been a phenomenal privilege to be the first member from outside of the Johnson family to serve as president and COO of both the publishing and cosmetics divisions of Johnson Publishing Company,” said Sempowski Ward. “I am grateful for Linda Johnson Rice’s confidence in entrusting me with such a significant responsibility. Working with so many dedicated people has been personally and professionally rewarding and I will miss them dearly.”

“At the same time, I am excited about joining my husband, Kevin, in our business-consulting firm. With the birth of our son in May, this is the ideal time for me to chart a new course.”

“The Johnson Publishing Company family wants to extend our well wishes to Anne along with her entire family,” said Johnson Rice.