Susan Cummiskey is Named SVP, Global Human Resources for The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.

NEW YORK, March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bob Guth, President and CEO of The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., announced today that Susan Cummiskey, a 25-year veteran of the human resources industry, has been named Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources for the company effective March 13.  She will report to Guth and serve on the company's Executive Committee.

"Susan is a highly respected Human Resource professional, with a background virtually tailored to our needs.  We are very pleased to have her on board the RDA team," said President and CEO Bob Guth. "Her deep experience in the global business environment as well as her expertise in refocusing resources will be critical as we concentrate on our core businesses and simplify and strengthen our organization."

Cummiskey joins RDA from her practice as a leadership coach and human resource consultant, which she began in 2011.  Prior to starting her own firm, Cummiskey was Senior Vice President, Human Resources, for Bowne & Co, Inc. (now part of RR Donnelly & Sons). Her strategic accomplishments at Bowne included evolving the corporate structure from a holding company with 13 distinct business units to a fully integrated operating company with three major business segments.

Prior to Bowne & Co., she held human resources leadership positions at Degussa Corporation, Sprague Technologies, Inc., and Combustion Engineering Inc.

Cummiskey is Treasurer for The Robert Bowne Foundation whose programs offer literacy education in the out-of-school hours to the children and youth of New York City who live in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. She is Vice-Chairman and Secretary of the Board of Directors for Scenarios USA, and is an active mentor with Women Unlimited. She provides pro-bono coaching to several not-for-profit organizations.

Cummiskey is a graduate of Wheaton College and the Georgetown University Leadership Coaching program. She lives in Connecticut and New York City.

RDA is a global media and direct marketing company that educates, entertains and connects more than 145 million consumers around the world with products and services from trusted brands.  With offices in 44 countries, the Company reaches customers in 78 countries, publishes 75 magazines, including 50 editions of Reader's Digest, the world's largest-circulation magazine, operates 62 branded websites and sells nearly 40 million books, music and video products across the world each year.  Further information about the Company can be found at www.rda.com.

Media Contact: Russell Weigandt, 646-747-7163

SOURCE The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.