Veteran golf insider to oversee editorial direction for Golf Channel on-air and online
ORLANDO, Fla. (March 5, 2012) – Geoff Russell, a 26-year editorial veteran for Golf Digest Publications, has been named Senior Vice President and Executive Editor, Golf Channel. The announcement was made today by Golf Channel President Mike McCarley.
In this newly created role, Russell, a long-time golf industry insider, will work collaboratively across all on-air and online production and programming groups to shape the editorial direction of Golf Channel. Russell will report directly to McCarley.
For the past decade, Russell held the post of Editor-in-Chief for Golf World magazine, a Condé Nast publication and sister magazine to Golf Digest. Under his leadership, Golf World has frequently been recognized for journalistic excellence, receiving 79 industry awards during his tenure, including 75 writing awards from the Golf Writers Association of America.
“I’m excited to start a new chapter of my career at Golf Channel with another group of very talented golf journalists,” said Russell. “I look forward to becoming an integral part of a new team that will help take the great process that Golf Channel already has established and make it even better.”
“Geoff is not only one of the best editorial minds in golf but also a strategic thinker and true collaborator who will help us shape the editorial vision and direction of Golf Channel for years to come,” said McCarley. “He brings to Golf Channel a sterling reputation from his decorated years with our friends at Golf Digest and Golf World, which will serve us well as we continue our recent momentum.”
Russell has been with Golf Digest Publications in various capacities since 1986, joining Golf World in 1989 as the beat writer covering the LPGA Tour and Senior PGA (now Champions) Tour. In 1994, he was promoted to features editor for Golf World, assuming editorial oversight of the news and features departments of the magazine. He assumed the role of Editor-in-Chief in 2002. In 2010, Russell created Golf World Monday, a digital product that is distributed to subscribers weekly.
Russell has been an avid golfer since the age of 6 and currently holds a 3 handicap. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Claremont McKenna College in California, where he also played golf and competed twice in the NCAA Division III National Championships. He holds a master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University. He will relocate from Golf Digest Publications headquarters in Wilton, Conn., to Golf Channel Studios in Orlando, Fla.
Contact:
Dan Higgins
Golf Channel
t: 407-355-4018
e: dhiggins@golfchannel.com
Jeremy Friedman
Golf Channel
t: 407-355-4058
e: jfriedman@golfchannel.com
