Ellen Asmodeo-Giglio Joins AFAR Media as Executive Vice President and Publisher

NEW YORK, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Shortly after celebrating its first anniversary in print, AFAR Media, the multi-platform brand focused on experiential travel, today announced Ellen Asmodeo-Giglio has joined AFAR as Executive Vice President and Publisher. Having held leadership positions at Travel + Leisure and The Wall Street Journal, Asmodeo-Giglio brings more than twenty years of publishing, marketing, and sales experience and a passion for the AFAR mission of enriching lives through authentic travel experiences and connections. Asmodeo-Giglio will be based in New York City and a key part of the executive team responsible for all media property platforms including digital, online, print and events.

Asmodeo-Giglio most recently served as Vice President and General Manager of Weekend Edition & Luxury Group at The Wall Street Journal, where she oversaw sales and developed strategies to drive revenue in the luxury categories through all properties and strategic partnerships. Prior, she was a luxury marketing consultant and Senior Vice President and Publisher of Travel + Leisure. Throughout her 17 years at American Express Publishing, mostly at Travel + Leisure, the business experienced significant brand expansion and revenue growth.

"AFAR embodies every reason why I love to travel, and has really struck a chord within the travel industry as well as with consumers due to its unique approach," said Asmodeo-Giglio. "I will draw on my experience to help the company transition from an appealing brand to a prosperous, multi-channel media company."

Asmodeo-Giglio is already building out her international sales team, with the additions of Barry Brown as Senior Sales Director, John Galante as West Coast and International Travel Director, Lewis Newmark as West Coast Director, and Rosa Manocchio as Sales Director, Europe.  

Prior to AFAR, Brown, Galante, Newmark, and Manocchio all held positions at Travel + Leisure. Most recently, Brown served as an Advertising Executive for The Wall Street Journal, while Galante served as Vice President, Marketing and Business Development/Membership at JG Black Book of Travel, and Newmark served as Los Angeles Advertising Director at Travel + Leisure.

"With over 60 years of combined industry experience, these strategic hires bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our publishing platform and sales operations," said Greg Sullivan, Co-Founder of AFAR Media.  "As the magazine continues to grow, and we prepare to launch AFAR Connect, I'm confident Ellen and her team will make an immediate impact in achieving our business objectives through continued innovation, sales, and a personal passion for travel."

Additionally, Co-Founder, Joe Diaz, will become Vice President/Associate Publisher with direct oversight of the dynamic sales staff.  

"Ellen is a wealth of knowledge and we're all excited to work with and learn from her," said Diaz.  "She's worked with us over the past few months in a consulting capacity and has demonstrated her industry expertise and a strong passion for our mission."

About AFAR Media

AFAR Media is a multi-platform brand focused on experiential travel.  The company is headquartered in San Francisco with a dedicated global sales team in New York. The company's first product – a bi-monthly magazine focused on experiential travel – launched in August 2009. AFAR Connect, a website that connects like-minded travelers and locals, is currently in beta.  The company also supports the AFAR Foundation, established to promote cross-cultural exchange and, through its Learning AFAR program, sponsor international travel by high-school students who otherwise could not afford to experience another part of the world.  For more information, find AFAR at: afar.com/blog, twitter.com/afarmedia, or facebook.com/afarmedia. 

SOURCE AFAR Media