Unger Publishing, a Connecticut-based media company that publishes Serendipity magazine and oversees its related charitable events, has appointed Bill Ridenour VP and Publisher.
In this role, Mr. Ridenour will oversee print and digital advertising sales efforts, circulation, marketing and events.
“After spending more than 20 years at Time Inc. in sales and management positions, Bill’s experience will help Unger Publishing continue to expand its print and digital efforts,” said Suni Unger, CEO and Founder, Unger Publishing and Serendipity magazine in a release.
In addition, Unger Publishing has retained NYC/Stamford based Accelerated Growth Partners; AGP partners Merrill Squires and John von Stade will act as senior advisors. AGP is a business development and band acceleration firm that specializes in media, content platforms, brand development, event marketing and revenue generation.
“I’m thrilled to be working with Merrill and John on business development and marketing initiatives for the magazine, our signature events and future business endeavors,” said Unger in a relase. “The combined experiences that both can bring to the table not only in the publishing world, but also living and working locally, will provide educated input as we continue to grow and evolve the company.”
“This new role at Unger Publishing will allow me to not only apply my experience in the publishing world, but do it in a local community that I grew up in and love,” said Ridenour. “Both Merrill and John live locally but bring relevant national experience and relationships to Unger. This will be helpful as we grow the brand and explore related brand extensions.”
During his tenure at Time Inc., Ridenour held a variety of sales and management positions with such titles as Money, Time, Sports Illustrated and Fortune, as well as with Time Inc. corporate. Prior, he spent more than 12 years in the golf magazine category, working with titles including Links magazine, Travel & Leisure Golf, Golf World and Golf Digest.
Ridenour grew up in Greenwich, and currently resides in Old Greenwich. He is a member of the Greenwich Country Club, Rocky Point Club and the Yale Club.
AGP Partners Merrill Squires and John von Stade will act as senior advisor. Contributed photo
A resident of Old Greenwich, Squires brings more than 20 years of experience in entertainment marketing, sponsorships and media, operating and owning business units at Sports Illustrated, USA Today Sports Media Group, The Marketing Arm, Hawkeye Communications and Active Equity Partners before starting AGP in 2014.
Mr. von Stade Contributed photo
brings more than 20 years of industry leading sports marketing and media experience. John has led strategy and property negotiations for numerous brands. He was part of the management team at agencies Millsport, PNM Sports, Velocity Sports & Entertainment and helped launch USA Today Sports Media Group at Gannett. von Stade and his family reside in Darien.
Serendipity is a lifestyle magazine celebrating family discoveries and unexpected moments for readers throughout Fairfield and Westchester Counties and beyond, covering relationships, goodwill, health, style, food, travel and more. The publication is distributed bi-monthly and enjoys a readership of more than 90,000. For more information, visit www.serendipitysocial.com.