NEW YORK, NY (February 10, 2020) – Hearst Autos today announced that Joe Brown, formerly of Bonnier Corporation, has been named group editorial director. The announcement was made by Hearst Autos Chief Executive Officer Matt Sanchez, to whom Brown will report.

 In his new role, Brown will oversee all print and digital content across platforms in the Hearst Autos division, which includes Car and Driver, Road & Track, Autoweek, Canadian Black Book, R&T CREW, and the new R&T luxury brand. He will also be working closely with Hearst Autos Chief Brand Officer Eddie Alterman to evaluate opportunities for brand extensions, books, digital products, and cross-promotional alignments both within and outside the Hearst Autos universe.

“Joe’s passion for automotive journalism and his many magazine successes will be integral as we continue to develop the Hearst Autos strategy,” said Sanchez. “We are expanding our brands and testing new products, and Joe’s experience with enthusiast audiences will be key as our business continues to grow.”

Brown came to Hearst Autos from Bonnier Corporation, where he was VP, editorial director in charge of Field & Stream, SAVEUR, Outdoor Life, and Popular Science. He also served as editor-in-chief of Popular Science, earning PopSci four National Magazine Award nominations and the 2019 ASME for “Best Single-Topic Issue.” Prior to that, Brown was executive editor of WIRED and editor-in-chief of Gizmodo.

“I’m beyond thrilled to join the Hearst Autos team. This is more than a job for me—it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream,” said Brown. “These were the first magazines I subscribed to and my first Internet haunts. I’ve been a car fanatic since I was a kid, and had an auto repair certificate before I had a college degree. I look forward to helping the staffs of these titles shape the conversation around cars in America.” 

Brown joins Hearst Autos in their New York City headquarters on March 2.

About Hearst Autos

As the leading automotive media organization in the world, Hearst Autos connects car buyers, owners, and enthusiasts to the information they need, the experiences they crave and the stories they love – while connecting automotive marketers to this audience of unrivaled breadth and diversity.

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Contact:  Nathan Christopher, nchristopher@hearst.com