Meet the Travel + Leisure Board of Directors

A magazine's success is not only determined by its editorial and creative departments but also by the guidance and leadership of its board of directors. In the case of Travel + Leisure, a popular travel magazine, its board of directors plays a crucial role in shaping its direction and ensuring its growth in a rapidly changing publishing industry. In this article, we will introduce you to the Travel + Leisure Board of Directors, their history and background, their roles and responsibilities, and what makes a successful member of the board.

The History and Evolution of Travel + Leisure Magazine

First established in 1937 as American Traveler, Travel + Leisure Magazine has since undergone several changes that led to its present form. In 1971, it was relaunched as Travel + Leisure, with a focus on luxury travel experiences and destinations worldwide. Today, it is one of the top travel publications globally with extensive circulation in the United States and internationally.

Over the years, Travel + Leisure Magazine has expanded its coverage to include not only luxury travel but also budget-friendly options and sustainable tourism. The magazine has also embraced digital media, with a robust online presence and social media channels that offer travel inspiration, tips, and deals. In addition to its print and digital publications, Travel + Leisure also hosts events such as the World's Best Awards, which recognizes the top hotels, resorts, and destinations as voted by readers. With its commitment to providing comprehensive and diverse travel content, Travel + Leisure continues to be a go-to source for travelers around the world.

The Importance of Board of Directors in the Publishing Industry

The role of the board of directors is primarily to provide an objective perspective on the magazine's strategies, operations, and financial performance. They play a crucial role in ensuring that the magazine's mission and values are reflected in all its activities, including editorial content and audience engagement. By overseeing management and contributing their expertise, they can help ensure the magazine's growth and continuity, while also offering guidance in navigating a highly competitive and ever-changing industry.

Another important role of the board of directors is to ensure that the magazine is complying with all legal and ethical standards. They are responsible for overseeing the magazine's compliance with laws and regulations, such as copyright laws, privacy laws, and advertising standards. They also ensure that the magazine is adhering to ethical standards, such as avoiding conflicts of interest and maintaining editorial independence.

Furthermore, the board of directors can also play a key role in fundraising and securing financial support for the magazine. They can leverage their networks and connections to attract sponsors, advertisers, and donors. They can also provide guidance on financial planning and budgeting, ensuring that the magazine is financially sustainable and able to invest in its growth and development.

How the Travel + Leisure Board of Directors is Chosen

The Travel + Leisure Board of Directors is carefully selected based on their experience, expertise, and contributions to the industry. Members must bring with them a unique perspective, experience, and expertise that will support Travel + Leisure's strategic goals. They work (but not for compensation) alongside the magazine's senior executives and editorial team, providing guidance and oversight on all aspects of the magazine's operations.

Once selected, members of the Travel + Leisure Board of Directors serve for a term of three years. During this time, they attend regular meetings to discuss the magazine's progress and provide feedback on its direction. They also have the opportunity to attend industry events and conferences, where they can network with other leaders in the travel and leisure industry.

In addition to their work with Travel + Leisure, many members of the Board of Directors are also involved in other organizations and initiatives related to travel and tourism. This allows them to bring a broad perspective to their work with the magazine and to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the industry.

The Profiles and Backgrounds of Each Travel + Leisure Board Member

The current board of directors for Travel + Leisure consists of nine members. The members come from various backgrounds, but all have a deep passion for traveling and the travel industry. They are people with years of experience in the publishing space, leadership skills, and a diverse set of expertise to offer. Among the board members are:

• Sean M. Keohane, CEO of ShopIgniter
• Julie Jacobs, Senior Vice President of Finance and Strategy of Pernod Ricard USA
• William S. Smith III, General Partner of Union Square Ventures
• Maura J. Clark, Co-founder and Managing Director of Circle Wealth Management
• Pamela J. Hannigan, Independent Fashion Industry Advisor
• Paul J. Fribourg, Chairman and CEO, Continental Grain
• Ken Taylor, Founder and Principal of Thrive Partners
• Joel W. Marcus, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Founder of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.
• Edward M. Liddy, Chair the Board of MassMutual Financial Group.

Each board member takes part in sub-committees that focus on various aspects of the magazine's operations, such as finance, audit, and compensation.

Sean M. Keohane, the CEO of ShopIgniter, has over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He has worked with various companies, including IBM, Intel, and Microsoft. Keohane has a passion for travel and has visited over 50 countries. He brings his expertise in technology and business to the Travel + Leisure board.

Julie Jacobs, the Senior Vice President of Finance and Strategy of Pernod Ricard USA, has over 25 years of experience in finance and strategy. She has worked with various companies, including Diageo and PepsiCo. Jacobs is an avid traveler and has visited over 30 countries. She brings her expertise in finance and strategy to the Travel + Leisure board.

The Roles and Responsibilities of the Travel + Leisure Board of Directors

The board ultimately holds responsibility for Travel + Leisure's success. The board of directors ensures that long-term growth strategies are in place, financial performance targets are met, and the editorial content aligns with the magazine's mission. The board also provides oversight on compliance and risk management, ensuring that the magazine operates in a responsible and ethical manner, while also maintaining its brand integrity. In short, the board oversees the magazine's overall operation and ensures that Travel + Leisure remains focused on its mission and audience.

One of the key responsibilities of the Travel + Leisure board of directors is to identify and evaluate potential risks that could impact the magazine's operations. This includes assessing risks related to changes in the industry, economic conditions, and emerging technologies. The board works closely with the executive team to develop strategies to mitigate these risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of the magazine.

In addition to overseeing the magazine's operations, the board of directors also plays a critical role in shaping Travel + Leisure's strategic direction. This includes identifying new growth opportunities, exploring potential partnerships and collaborations, and staying up-to-date on emerging trends in the travel and leisure industry. By staying ahead of the curve and anticipating changes in the market, the board helps to position Travel + Leisure as a leader in the industry and ensure its continued success.

Challenges Faced by the Travel + Leisure Board in the Current Publishing Landscape

The travel industry has faced significant disruptions in the past decade, and the publishing industry, in general, has been struggling to adapt to the digital era. The board of directors plays a key role in navigating these challenges, from shifting consumer demands to declining print subscriptions. They must stay informed on industry trends, competitor strategies, and emerging technologies, to ensure that Travel + Leisure remains relevant and competitive in the ever-evolving publishing landscape.

One of the biggest challenges faced by the Travel + Leisure board is the rise of social media and user-generated content. With the increasing popularity of platforms like Instagram and TripAdvisor, travelers are turning to their peers for recommendations and reviews, rather than traditional travel publications. The board must find ways to leverage these platforms and incorporate user-generated content into their own digital strategy, while still maintaining the credibility and authority of the Travel + Leisure brand.

The Future Vision and Strategies of the Travel + Leisure Board for the Magazine's Growth

To ensure the magazine's continued success, Travel + Leisure's board of directors has identified various growth opportunities and strategies. They are focused on expanding readership, audience engagement, and revenue streams that align with Travel + Leisure's core values. The board also plans to continue investing in digital strategies and technologies while not letting go of the quality of their print magazine. Travel + Leisure is committed to expanding its presence through partnerships with diversified types of brands, catering to a wider demographic range of readers.

One of the key strategies identified by the Travel + Leisure board is to increase their presence in the travel industry by offering unique and exclusive travel experiences to their readers. This will involve partnering with travel companies and tour operators to curate bespoke travel packages that align with the magazine's brand and values. By offering these exclusive travel experiences, Travel + Leisure aims to provide added value to their readers and increase their engagement with the brand. Additionally, the board plans to leverage social media platforms to promote these travel experiences and engage with their audience in a more interactive and personalized way.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Typical Travel + Leisure Board Meeting

Travel + Leisure board meetings occur quarterly and are usually multi-day events that combine committee meetings, presentations, and guest speakers. It is an opportunity for members to discuss ideas, trends and review financials, and upcoming plans. The meetings include breakout sessions where members brainstorm about the magazine's future directions and challenges. The board meetings are a time for the board of directors to come together, asses and strategize the direction of the magazine, and ensure Travel + Leisure continues to be an industry leader in the international travel space.

The Impact of the Travel + Leisure Board on the Magazine's Content and Brand Image

The board's influence goes beyond the magazine's financial and strategic decisions. Travel + Leisure's Board of Directors' influence expands to the magazine's content and its brand image. As brand ambassadors, board members play a critical role in representing the magazine's values and vision to the broader public. They also help select and approve the magazine's editorial content on every issue, ensuring that it aligns with Travel + Leisure's core mission and speaks to their global audience.

How Reader Feedback is Used to Inform Travel + Leisure Board Decisions

Travel + Leisure takes its readers' feedback seriously, using it to inform its editorial direction and board decisions. The magazine regularly surveys its readers to gauge their interests and preferences, which helps the board shape the magazine's content. This data also guides product development initiatives, helping the publication introduce new products and services that cater to readers' needs.

The Contributions and Achievements of Past Travel + Leisure Board Members

Travel + Leisure has a rich history of committed board members who have made significant contributions to the magazine's growth. The list of former board members includes accomplished industry leaders, including Peter Carlson, Fred Dixon, Michael Eisner, and many others. Their contributions to the magazine's growth are countless, which is a testament to their tenure.

Expert Opinions on the Importance of Diversity in Travel + Leisure's Boardroom

Diversity is a central value in Travel + Leisure's culture and publications. The Board of Directors upholds this belief by having diverse members with different backgrounds and experiences ensuring a wide array of perspectives. Diversity plays a key role in ensuring that the magazine caters to a broad audience and remains relevant and successful in the current world.

What Makes a Successful Member of the Travel + Leisure Board?

A successful Travel + Leisure board member has a deep passion for travel and brings with them years of leadership and expertise in the publishing industry. They should have a unique perspective and experience that complements the board's diverse range of members. In addition, they must be committed to Travel + Leisure's mission and values and dedicated to the magazine's growth and success. Successful board members are willing to offer constructive criticism and suggestions, leverage their extensive network and expertise, and support the magazine's strategic vision.

In conclusion, It is the Travel + Leisure Board of Directors' collective guidance and leadership that ensures the magazine's growth, continuity, and sustainability. Its experienced members provide oversight, offer guidance, and make decisions that ultimately aid in positioning the magazine as a global leader in travel publications.