Tom Conradi named Chicago magazine publisher

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Tom Conradi

Tom Conradi

Tom Conradi, a veteran sales and marketing executive at Chicago magazine, has been promoted to publisher/general manager of the city’s premier monthly.

Conradi, 47, who’s been advertising director of Chicago magazine since 2008 and director of national sales and development since 2010, was given the additional title of interim publisher last August.

In announcing Conradi’s permanent appointment as publisher/general manager Tuesday, Joseph Schiltz, senior vice president of marketing and targeted media for Chicago Tribune Media Group, said in a statement: “Tom’s leadership of Chicago magazine and accomplishments leading the sales team — combined with his career expertise in digital and print media — will suit him well in this position.”

In his new role, Conradi will be responsible for the strategic direction of the magazine and will oversee day-to-day business operations. His appointment bolsters claims that Chicago Tribune Media Group does not plan to sell the publication in the near future.

ChicagoThe position has been vacant since last June, when Rich Gamble, a 16-year veteran of Tribune Co., stepped down after five years as publisher/general manager. Gamble left the company to become senior vice president of operations at the Chicago Zoological Society, which runs Brookfield Zoo.

Conradi, a graduate of Notre Dame High School for Boys and Columbia College, began in 1990 as an account executive with Pioneer Press, then owned by Sun-Times parent company Hollinger International. He joined Tribune Co. as a classified advertising manager in 1999 and later headed the Chicago Tribune’s classified division.

“I am proud to represent the Chicago brand and lead a talented team of dedicated individuals,” Conradi said in a statement Tuesday. “We are primed for a great year ahead, as we look to expand our video capabilities and custom publishing, as well as focus on new branded experiences with Chicago.”

Elizabeth Fenner continues as editor in chief.

In its most recent filing, Chicago magazine reported a monthly circulation of 151,622.