Backpacker Names Dennis Lewon Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Dorn Promoted to SVP Content and Product Development
Backpacker names Dennis Lewon editor-in-chief; Jonathan Dorn promoted to senior vice president of content and product for Active Interest Media.
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Boulder, CO: Active Interest Media (AIM) recently announced the promotions of Dennis Lewon to editor‐in-chief of Backpacker and Jonathan Dorn to senior vice president of content and product development for AIM, Backpacker’s parent company.
In his new role, Lewon will have oversight of the title’s print and digital content efforts. He is a veteran of the outdoor industry, with previous editing positions at Outside and Arizona Adventures.
“There have only been six editor‐in-chief in Backpacker’s 40 years,” said Dorn, “which is a reflection of how great a job it is. With a phenomenally engaged readership, an office in Boulder, and a ticket to hike the world, this gig is not
one you give up lightly. But after 11 years and 100‐plus issues, I’m thrilled to hand the reins to Dennis, who has been our executive editor, gear editor, features editor, research chief, campsite chef, and more. There’s no one who understands our business, industry, or audience better.”
“My first interview with Backpacker happened at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and the horizon looks just as brilliant now as it did then,” Lewon said. “Our print readership is as steady as a redwood, and we’re experiencing tremendous growth across our digital platforms. Jon’s size 13s are big boots to fill – literally – but I intend to keep my foot on the gas, while also incorporating more real-time reader engagement. In fact, the first issue I close will launch a yearlong series of user-generated elements that celebrate our readers’ best-in-class participation in outdoor activities.”
AIM also announced today that Dorn, Backpacker’s longtime editor-in-chief and the general manager of AIM’s Outdoor Group, has been promoted to senior vice president of content and product development for AIM. In this newly created position, Dorn will oversee creative efforts across all platforms for the Outdoor and Home Buyer Groups.
“Under Jon’s leadership, Backpacker won numerous editorial honors, highlighted by five National Magazine Awards, including General Excellence in both print and digital,” said Andy Clurman, AIM’s president. “He’s not only one of the finest editors in the country, he has also transformed Backpacker and the entire Outdoor Group into an industry force by growing our digital platforms, events, and B2B brands into thriving businesses. I am thrilled he will be expanding his role to include our Home Buyer Group.”
In addition, AIM announced the promotions of Matthew Bates and Barbara Van Sickle to group creative director and group production director, respectively, for the newly combined design and production operations of the company’s Outdoor and Home Buyer Groups.
Formerly located in Virginia, the Home Buyer Group (publisher of titles including Old House Journal, Log Home Living, Country’s Best Cabins, and Timber Home Living) announced last week that it will relocate its design, product and back-office operations to AIM’s growing Boulder facility by March 2013.
About the AIM Outdoor Group
AIM’s Outdoor Group (www.aimmedia.com/og.html) is a blend of consumer and trade publications that reaches 3 million active enthusiasts each month across the trail, climbing, fitness, and ski industries. In addition to Backpacker and Climbing, it publishes SNEWS, Outdoor Retailer Daily, Snow Show Daily, and National Park Trips (a group of four magazines and five websites dedicated to Western outdoor travel). Based in Boulder, Colo., the Outdoor Group also operates two of the most successful events in the outdoor industry: Backpacker’s annual Adventures NYC festival in Central Park, and Get Out More, a beginner- oriented clinic series that travels to 70 retailers annually.
About the AIM Home Buyer Group
Home Buyer Publications (www.aimmedia.com/hbg.html) comprises two categories of home magazines, events and online properties. The Log & Timber Group includes Log Home Living, Timber Home Living, Country’s Best Cabins, The Log & Timber Home Shows & Seminars, loghome.com, and timberhomeliving.com.
The Old House Media Group includes Old-House Journal, Old-House Interiors, Arts & Crafts Homes, Early Homes, New Old House, Old-House Live! Events, and artsandcraftshomes.com, and oldhouseonline.com.
About Active Interest Media, Inc.
Based in El Segundo, California, Active Interest Media, Inc. (AIM, www.aimmedia.com) is a leading publisher of enthusiast magazines, consumer shows, books and Internet sites.
AIM’s five publishing groups include Healthy Living,Marine, Home Buyer, Outdoor and the Equine Group. The company publishes 35 magazines, including Yoga Journal, Backpacker, Vegetarian Times, SNEWS, American Cowboy, Log Home Living, Arts & Crafts Homes, Peaks, Dressage, Black Belt, Yachts International, and others. AIM produces and markets conferences, DVDs and books, and produces log-and‐timber home shows and seminars. The company also produces the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show®, the largest boat show in the world.
