Hearst Magazines, the world’s largest lifestyle publisher, today announced that it will open an advertising sales office in Paris, France, in January 2025. The announcement was made by Hearst Magazines President Debi Chirichella.
“The Paris office is part of our strategic investment in Hearst Global Solutions,” Chirichella said. “Having a direct presence in one of the most important luxury markets in the world will enable us to better serve our valued clients who want to connect with the millions of people around the globe who turn to our trusted brands for inspiration and delight each day.”
Jean-Christophe (JC) Demarta will be appointed Managing Director of Hearst Global Solutions France. Demarta and a dedicated sales team will build on the solid foundation built by Studio Riboud, the agency that has been representing Hearst in France for over two decades and will continue to do so through the end of the year for Hearst. Magali Riboud and her team will then continue representing other media brands.
Hearst Magazines Global Chief Revenue Officer Lisa Ryan Howard said: “JC’s deep experience and strong relationships, along with the expansion of the broader Hearst Global Solutions team, positions us to be an even stronger and more strategic media partner for our clients based in France.”
Demarta joins Hearst with more than 20 years of experience in the media, digital and luxury sectors. He most recently served as global head of fashion, luxury and beauty at Condé Nast, based in Paris. Before that, he was senior vice president of global advertising at The New York Times, and previously held senior-level advertising roles at the International Herald Tribune, Le Monde and Publicis.
Demarta said: “It is a real honor to be joining this prestigious media company at a time of a large global expansion. It is also particularly exciting to be serving so many iconic magazine brands in one of the world’s most important luxury markets. France is home to the largest groups and the most prestigious maisons, and I look forward to helping them connect with Hearst’s most desirable audiences around the world.”
“We thank Magali Riboud for doing an extraordinary job representing our brands over two decades and for playing such an integral role in our international growth strategy” said Hearst Magazines International President Jonathan Wright. “This is an exciting time for Hearst as we continue to expand and propel the growth of our global business.”
In addition to the opening of a Paris advertising office, the expansion of Hearst Global Solutions, led by Ryan Howard, includes the creation of a London-based global operational center responsible for advertising business and sales operations, creative services, ad product and innovation, and marketing. The central group supports a team of global sellers in four cross-functional hubs across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The Paris office will be part of the Luxury Hub of Hearst Global Solutions, which also encompasses Switzerland, Spain and Italy, and is led by Robert Schoenmaker, chief revenue officer of Hearst Global Solutions Italy. Both Schoenmaker and Demarta will report to Hearst Italy CEO Giacomo Moletto.
