Chris Berend Named Chief Content and Experience Officer of Hearst Magazines

NEW YORK, July 21, 2026 - Chris Berend has been named chief content and experience officer of Hearst Magazines. In this newly created role, Berend will be responsible for driving Hearst Magazines' editorial strategy, leading content creation and programming across all Magazines platforms. The announcement was made by Hearst President and CEO Steven R. Swartz and Hearst Magazines President Debi Chirichella, to whom Berend will report.

Berend was most recently chief digital officer of the NBCUniversal News Group. In this role, he oversaw content strategy, new product development and digital business operations, driving early innovation and record results across the news group and its accompanying brands.

"Chris brings a deep understanding of the editorial process, strong business leadership and a track record of driving significant growth in both video and content experiences," Chirichella said. "I'm excited about what we will build together as we continue to innovate across our brands and deepen our connection with audiences."

"I'm excited to join Hearst at a moment of real opportunity," Berend said. "I'm especially drawn to helping evolve our iconic brands into modern, audience-driven businesses - building on their influence, authority and loyalty to drive innovation and creating new experiences that unlock growth."

Berend joined NBCUniversal in 2019 from CNN Worldwide, where he served as senior vice president of global video, leading video content, distribution, operations and custom production, and also co-founded the award-winning video brand, Great Big Story. Before joining CNN, Berend held digital leadership positions at Bloomberg and ESPN Magazine. He began his media career as an editor at Esquire.

His new role will begin on August 3.

About Hearst Magazines
Hearst Magazines, the world's largest lifestyle media publisher, has a portfolio of more than 30 powerful brands in the U.S. that inspire and entertain audiences across all media platforms. Hearst Magazines' print and digital assets reach 139 million readers and site visitors each month - 53% of all adults in the U.S., 50% of all Millennials and 44% of all Gen Z adults over the age of 18 (Source: 2026 comScore Multi-Platform© MRI-Simmons - 02-26/F25). The company publishes more than 200+ brand editions and 175 websites around the world.