After previous editor Mitzi Miller abruptly left the magazine in February, Kierna Mayo has stepped in as Ebony’s new editor-in-chief
According to The Root, after only 10 months on the job, Mitzi Miller left on the grounds that she wanted “to pursue new ventures that include creating stories for television and film.” Miller’s departure could be linked to the success of Lifetime movie “With This Ring,” based on The Vow which she co-authored.
Johnson publishing company promoted Kierna Mayo to editor-in-chief and Kyra Kyles as the new head of digital editorial in attempt to fill gaps left by their predecessors. Hired in 2011 as Ebony’s editorial director, Mayo has taken over since Miller’s abrupt exit and will work from the company’s New York office.
Mayo’s leadership has since produced three issues with Kendrick Lamar, Wendy Williams and Tina Knowles Lawson featured on its covers. Co-creator of Honey Magazine, Mayo has worked at several publications throughout her career including Marie Claire, Essence and Vibe. Johnson Publishing CEO Desiree Rogers said, “Both women have strong print and digital backgrounds….we want them to always be thinking across platforms.” Mayo has high hopes for Ebony and plans to resuscitate the image it cultivated in 20th century.
-Nishat Baig
