Source Interlink Media Announces Two New Appointments
HOT ROD Publisher Jerry Pitt Moves to Marketing Division, Jeff Dahlin Assumes Role at HOT ROD
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (July 30, 2012) – Source Interlink Media (SIM) announced today the appointment of Jerry Pitt as Senior Marketing Director for the Performance Auto Group. In his new role Pitt will focus on integrated marketing programs across the Performance Auto, Motorcycle and Truck & Off-Road groups, as well as interact with all other divisions at SIM. Pitt will transition from his post as Publisher of HOT ROD, a position he’s held since 2005, and Jeff Dahlin will assume this role at the iconic automotive title.
Pitt began his career at Car Craft magazine in 1986 as Editorial Assistant and subsequently served as Feature Editor. In the early ‘90s, Pitt held positions as Editor of Mustang & Fords, 5.0 Mustang (1990-94), Mustang Monthly (1994-96), and Mopar Muscle (1996-1999). Pitt then transitioned from editorial to brand management to serve as Publisher of Mopar Muscle, Musclecar Review, Corvette Fever, Vette, and High Performance Pontiac (1999-2005). In 2005, Pitt was named Publisher of HOT ROD, heading up the strategy for the brand’s print, digital, television, event, licensing and emerging media initiatives.
As Senior Marketing Director, Pitt will focus on SIM brand and division collaboration and creating access for marketing partners across SIM’s entire media portfolio. Pitt will report directly to Ryan Payne, Vice President of Marketing for SIM, within a group that is led by Eric Schwab, Senior Vice President of Source Interlink’s Consumer Media Group and Integrated Sales.
“Jerry has a long tenure that has deep roots within the performance and aftermarket arenas,” said Schwab. “His knowledge and experience is exactly what our Marketing team needs to address the changing media landscape. We are excited to have Jerry work closely with sales to develop media solutions for our clients.”
“Jerry has a proven track record of delivering custom programs and I am thrilled that he is joining our Marketing team,” said Payne. “His expertise will help SIM lead in delivering custom, innovative media solutions for our clients.”
Jeff Dahlin, named one of SEMA’s ‘35 under 35’ for the automotive aftermarket this year, began his tenure at SIM in 2001. In the time since he has served as Associate Publisher of Popular Hot Rodding, Chevy High Performance and Engine Masters (2005-2006) and Publisher of the Off-Road Group (Off-Road and 4Wheel Drive Magazine, 2006-2009), the Product Development Group (Bound by Ink, Dirt Kings and several Special Interest Publications (2010), and the Truck Group (Diesel Power, 8-Lug HD Truck, Truckin’, Mini Truckin’, RV and Mud Life, 2011-2012). Dahlin also led the launch and relaunch of several of these titles. Dahlin will report to Doug Evans, Executive Vice President of the Performance Automotive Group.
“I have had the pleasure of having Jeff on my team for years and I am confident that his drive and creativity will add depth to our talented staff at one of our most important titles, HOT ROD,” said Evans.
Founded in January 1948, HOT ROD magazine is the oldest and largest performance car magazine today. Source Interlink Media will continue to make a significant investment in HOT ROD products, most notably with the revitalized print magazine launched with the September 2012 issue that went on sale July 10. The magazine features a 50% increase in editorial pages, an all-new design presentation, and complete reinvention of the content.
As HOT ROD builds up to its 65th anniversary in 2013, the editorial staff is pushing the envelope to reinvigorate readers by providing content that makes them say, “I can’t believe they did that!”
HOT ROD recently launched an all-new website, HOTROD.com, on May 1. This re-launch was just the first step in creating HOT ROD’s new identity and emphasizes its focus on multimedia content delivery with brand extensions that include HOTROD.com, a mobile version of HOTROD.com, the “HOT ROD Then & Now” App for iPad, HOT ROD Magazine Live radio, and HOT ROD TV, the longest running network automotive show on the air and the one that started the genre on SPEED Channel.
About HOT ROD Magazine:
HOT ROD Magazine, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, is the world’s largest performance automotive brand. With over six million readers, HOT ROD has delivered the performance industry’s most respected tech tips, product tests and events for over 60 years. This magazine’s unique style attracts veteran rod builders and general car fans alike.
About Source Interlink Media:
Source Interlink Media, LLC is the premier source of special interest media in the United States. With more than 75 publications, 100 Web sites, 800 branded products, 50+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, home theater and other niche activities. The division’s strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach.
