Business

Nelson first female Time Inc. EIC

Time Inc. named Martha Nelson editor-in-chief, marking the first time in the publishing company’s 90-year history that a woman has held the top job.

“Over the past year, I have come to appreciate Martha’s intellect, creativity, sense of humor and her directness,” Time Inc. CEO Laura Lang wrote in a staff e-mail. “Her insights have been very valuable to me as we chart our course for the future.”

Nelson was given a big ovation when she was introduced to the managing editors yesterday afternoon as the new EIC.

She succeeds John Huey, a 22-year Time Inc. veteran who earlier announced his intention to retire at year-end. He is going to take a fellowship at Harvard’s Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy.

Nelson was the launch editor of InStyle and People StyleWatch, two titles that helped Time Inc. broaden its appeal beyond its male-centric readership, to women.

As is the case with all legacy media outfits, Nelson will grapple with declining print revenue and the digital transition.

“I believe in the power of print, but we have to move to greater integrate the print and digital staffs,” Nelson said in an interview. “We’re far down the path, we have a huge digital reach, but we still have a long way to go.”

Nelson declined to comment on the rumored cutbacks said to be looming at Time Inc. for early next year.

She is bringing Dan Okrent, a respected Time Inc. veteran, out of retirement to be an interim corporate editor.

Nelson was Time Inc.’s editorial director, the No. 2 job, overseeing 17 magazines and websites in the Style and Entertainment Group.