Thos. L. Bryant, The Longest Running Editor-In-Chief of Road & Track Magazine, Announces His Retirement After 20 Years of Leadership
04/01/2008
Jack Kliger, President and CEO, Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. (HFM U.S.) announced today that Thos L. Bryant, Vice President/Editor-in-Chief, Road & Track magazine, has decided to retire at the end of July 2008. Bryant will retain the title of Editor Emeritus and will continue to write a column for the magazine as well as contribute to the website. The company will begin a search to fill this position.
Kliger said: “It is with feelings of gratitude and a bit of sadness that I accept Tom’s decision to retire. I am delighted that he will continue to be associated with the magazine, so that his many admirers, including myself, will still be hearing from him through his column. Tom is first and foremost a journalist with the highest standards of reporting. He is a sophisticated man so it makes sense that Road & Track reflects his keen sense of style, as well as credible substance. Tom’s priorities are to produce well-written journalism and independent road tests. He wraps this reporting with some of the most beautiful photography and design in the magazine industry – in any category.
“This year Tom celebrates his 20th year as editor-in-chief, the longest running editorial leader in this magazine’s history. Through the years he has set high standards, chosen good people who share the same value for excellence, and has given them latitude to accomplish these goals. I want to thank Tom for his many contributions. I speak on behalf of his many friends at Hachette who want to wish him enjoyment and fulfillment in the adventures that lay ahead,” Kliger continued.
Bryant added: “As I complete 20 years as chief editor of Road & Track in July, it is the ideal time to hand over the reins to someone else. It has been a fabulous experience running the editorial side of America’s oldest car-enthusiast magazine, and throughout my 36 years of employment here, it truly has been every moment a memory.”
Bryant joined the Road & Track family in May 1972 via the start-up of Pickup, Van & 4WD magazine. He was hired as editorial associate, and soon became managing editor and then the editor of PV4. In fall of 1974, he moved to the staff of Road & Track as Associate Editor. In 1983 he became the Executive Editor of Road & Track, and in 1986 was named Editor of Road & Track Specials while also serving as Editor-in-Chief of Automobile Quarterly. During his time at R&T Specials, Bryant and his staff created a variety of new titles, including Road & Track Exotic Cars, Road & Track Truck Buyers’ Guide, and others. In July 1988, Bryant was named Editor of Road & Track, and became Vice President/Editor-in-Chief in 1989.
In January 2008, Bryant received the annual Lifetime Achievement Award from Road & Travel Magazine.com during the North American International Auto Show at Detroit.
Prior to his publishing career, Bryant served as a Foreign Service Officer in the U.S. Department of State in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He also spent several years in radio broadcasting as a disc jockey and later as news director.
About Road & Track
As America's original car-enthusiast publication, Road & Track has a 60-year track record of providing its audience with the finest road tests of new cars, plentiful comparisons for making car shopping decisions easier and more informed, over-the-horizon looks at future cars and trends, in-depth technical updates on everything from future fuels to tire technology, and racing features that transport the reader into the pits and paddocks of racing teams around the world. With 5.5 million readers and over 1 million unique visitors to the website, Road & Track has a reputation with consumers for integrity and excellence.
About Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S.
Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. (www.hfmus.com) enthusiast brands and targeted media products reach nearly 60 million consumers through magazines, online and mobile content. The company’s editorial hallmarks are trusted expert content along with independent product testing. Our prestigious brands fall into five sectors and include: Automotive (Car and Driver, Road & Track, Jumpstart Automotive Media); Fashion (ELLE, ELLEgirl); Shelter (ELLE Decor, Home, Metropolitan Home, PointClickHome, and Special Interest Publications Group); Women & Health (Woman’s Day and Woman’s Day Special Interest Group) and Enthusiasts (American Photo, Boating, Cycle World, Flying, Popular Photography, Premiere and Sound & Vision). HFM U.S. Total Solutions marketing initiative packages these assets across brands and platforms with customized marketing programs. HFM U.S. is part of Lagardère’s (www.lagardere.com) media division Lagardère Active, a producer of special interest content in over 40 countries
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