Rolling Stone has announced that Gus Wenner will assume the role of executive chairman, and Julian Holguin will become the brand’s CEO.
According to the announcement, Wenner (pictured above, left) will collaborate with Holguin to ensure the brand’s long-term strategic vision while pursuing new ventures outside of Rolling Stone; Holguin (above, right) will assume oversight of the business.
“Rolling Stone is poised for continued success leveraging Gus’ deep experience and vision for the brand and Julian’s keen business instincts and passion for innovation,” said Jay Penske, chairman and CEO, Penske Media Corporation. “Rolling Stone will continue its rich legacy of world class journalism and culture-shaping conversation while creating new avenues for growth.”
Wenner led the sale of Rolling Stone to Penske Media Corporation in 2017 and served as president before becoming the brand’s CEO four years later. Under his leadership — which has seen Wenner taking the helm of the culture-shifting publication and business from his father, Jann, who founded it in 1967 — Rolling Stone has grown its audience, built a robust live events business, launched Rolling Stone Films, built a digital subscription business, and expanded the brand’s global footprint while maintaining its legacy of journalism: During Wenner’s tenure, Rolling Stone has won 7 National Magazine Awards, its first ever Emmy Award, a George Polk Award, and its first ever Murrow Prize. (Variety and Rolling Stone are both owned and operated by Penske Media Corporation.)
“It has been an unbelievable journey leading Rolling Stone,” Wenner said. “There have been so many brilliant contributors and collaborators who have helped transform it from a magazine into a multimedia powerhouse, all while keeping its mission intact. I am grateful to every single one of them. Building something outside of Rolling Stone has been on my mind for some time, and although it has been a hard decision to make, the timing is right – the business is as strong as it has ever been, and it will be in great hands. I look forward to continuing to help guide the ship as Executive Chairman, while embarking on my next chapter.”
Holguin spent 10 years at Billboard, most recently as president, where he oversaw global business operations and helped lead the company through its 2014 merger with The Hollywood Reporter, the acquisition of Spin Media in 2016, its 2018 merger with Dick Clark Productions and its eventual sale to Penske Media Corporation in 2020. Holguin will report to Penske.
“The legacy and enduring impact of Rolling Stone is undeniable, and having the opportunity to broaden the scope and reach of the brand is the opportunity of a lifetime. I’m thrilled to join forces with the entire Rolling Stone team to drive its continued evolution and expansion into new and exciting territory,” said Holguin.
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