Chris Berend, previously Chief Digital Officer of the NBCUniversal News Group, has been appointed Chief Content and Experience Officer at Hearst Magazines USA.

In this newly created role, Chris will be responsible for driving the company's editorial strategy and leading content creation and programming across all platforms, reporting to Hearst Magazines President Debi Chirichella.

At NBCUniversal News Group, Chris oversaw content strategy, new product development and digital business operations. Before that, he was Senior Vice President of Global Video at CNN Worldwide, where he led video content, distribution, operations and custom production, and co-founded video brand Great Big Story. He previously held digital leadership positions at Bloomberg and ESPN Magazine, and began his career as an editor at Esquire.

"I'm excited to join Hearst at a moment of real opportunity. I'm especially drawn to helping evolve our iconic brands into modern, audience-driven businesses — building on their influence, authority and loyalty to drive innovation and creating new experiences that unlock growth," said Chris.

Chris will commence his role 3 August.