Condé Nast has named Whembley Sewell as its new executive editor for its LGBTQ+ brand, called them. Sewell will take over the reins after serving as channel manager at Teen Vogue.
In her new role, Sewell will oversee all of the brand’s editorial content and effectively replaces Phillip Picardi, who left Condé Nast in the fall, after starting the brand in 2017 and serving as its chief content officer, a title he also held for Teen Vogue.
“them has grown tremendously since we launched the platform in 2017 and Whembley’s distinct voice and passionate take on issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community make her a natural fit to lead the brand forward,” said Anna Wintour, artistic director of Condé Nast and editor in chief of Vogue, in a statement. “Her positive energy and warmth will be instrumental in growing them’s audience while championing the diverse voices that make the platform so extraordinary.”
Since launching, the brand has produced a short film series called Queeroes, and has worked to diversify the kinds of voices elevated by the platform.
Sewell previously oversaw social media at Hearst for Seventeen as well as at Refinery29.
“I am so excited to join the amazing team at them and help share important stories that impact the LGBTQ+ community,” Sewell said in a statement. “There are so many untapped points of view that aren’t represented in media and them’s mission to give a platform to these voices is more important than ever.”
Sewell takes over at a time of change for the publisher, which has outlined a five-year plan to generate $600 million in new revenue. Condé Nast and Condé Nast International will also combine and will be overseen by a newly created CEO position to lead the “new” company.
