Martha Stewart Living has announced that it has named Eric Pike as the magazine's new editor-in-chief, effective immediately. This came in a news release today announcing Eric (the current brand and editorial director for MSLO) as the successor to the current editor-in-chief, Pilar Guzman, who joined the MSLO team in 2011. She has accepted a position at Conde-Nast Traveler. Eric will be the magazine's fifth editor-in-chief since Margaret Roach stepped down in 2006 and I just know that he is the perfect person to lead this wonderful and inspirational magazine to new heights of excellence. He is one of the earliest members of Martha's original team of editors and he knows this company, its founder and its magazine, inside and out. Welcome, Eric! I can't wait to see what ideas and style changes he'll bring to my favourite magazine! Read more about Eric, below.
Eric joined MSLO in 1992 as an associate art director for Martha Stewart Living magazine. Prior to that, he worked as senior designer at Designframe from 1988 to 1992. From 1983 to 1988, he was a designer for Carbone Smolan Associates. Eric has played an integral and crucial role on the creative team at MSLO and is largely responsible for the overall look of MSLO's award-winning magazines and books.
During his tenure at the company, Eric has worked across a wide variety of projects and programs at MSLO, giving him a unique insight and creative perspective. His work has been honored by the Society of Publication Designers, the American Institute of Graphic Artists, the New York Type Director's Club, and the Rhode Island School of Design. MSLO has won four national magazine awards from the American Society of Magazine Editors for both photography and design.
He was known at the magazine for years as "Father Christmas" because of his superb, award-winning editorial ideas and projects centered on Holiday themes - something Martha Stewart Living became famous for. He is one of the pioneers of Martha's original vision and this new appointment can only mean great things for the magazine.
I love the old magazines. I think this could be a great development. Looking forward to something lovely.
ReplyDeleteLooking inward and finding gold! I'm very pleased.
ReplyDeleteAs per my previous comment a few days ago, I much prefer MSL magazines from years ago and re-read them, but not so much the ones from the last 5 years or so. Here's to hoping that Eric Pike moves things forwards back to what they were!
ReplyDeleteI remember a piece that ran in the magazine (years and years ago) about a staff member that bought a house and renovated it. this guy even changed the orientation of the Staircase in the house!! I think it was this guy do you remember the article Andrew??
ReplyDeleteThat was actually Stephen Earl, the former Home editor at the magazine and I do remember that article. Eric's apartment has been featured several times in the magazine: a very serene, grey, beautiful space.
ReplyDeleteGood riddance Pilar! She was awful... the one who led the charge for more beauty articles and shopping pages, fired many of the craft, gardening and collecting editors, and who put her own house and kids on the cover of her third issue (Martha didn't like it but let it go since Pilar was still new). I'm glad to see Eric as the EIC as he was the one that was mainly responsible for how great the magazine looked starting in the mid-90s. But I think he's like Gael Towey... only filling the position until they find another middle-aged Brooklyn mom...
ReplyDeleteWhat's happening with the revolving door of editors at Martha Stewart Living? It's really sad to observe the continual leadership changes at the magazine, and the company still has not named a CEO. What's happening at Martha Stewart Living? I hope things stabilize a bit for them.
ReplyDeleteFirst time here but glad to hear the similar voices as mine.
ReplyDeleteGo Eric - you made the Martha Stewart Living stood out and you will make it happen again! I can now relate the ideas and creativity from the magazine much easier because the presence of Martha's products in Home Depot, Micheal's, Staple, Macy's and PetSmart(love!!). I will suggest the flower arrangements in 1800flowers, signature sugar cookies and holiday cookies in WholeFood or TraderJoe...we want Martha everywhere!
I for one (but it looks like many) am VERY happy he's at the helm. I know a lot of the more magical moments the magazine has had were a result of his work there! Congratulations Eric!
ReplyDeleteThank you Andrew for introducing Eric to us. I can see a very successful and inspiring magazine to come. Best wishes and luck to Eric.
ReplyDeleteSee ya Pilar, hopefully more inspiring quality and educational gardening, decorating and cooking content will follow, and less makeup, kids, and uninformed shopping lists.
ReplyDeleteI really didn't think the changes made by Guzman were all that noticeable. I know the magazine has been in trouble for a while now. I would suggest opening all of the magazine to advertisers instead of having a dedicated "features" section. Better Homes has been doing it for a few years, and so does HGTV magazine. I like that idea better than not having a magazine at all.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of having fewer issues of the magazine (quarterly) with fewer ads and more content.
ReplyDeleteThis is SO promising and well earned, Eric!
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