Steve Aaron, CEO of VIBE Media Group, announced today that Danyel Smith has been appointed to vice president and editorial director, Vibe Media Group, in addition to her role as editor-in- chief of VIBE. Edgar Hernandez joined the VIBE team in September 2007 as associate publisher and Gary R. Lewis has been promoted to chief marketing officer.

"Thanks to the talents of people like Danyel, who helped build this brand from the ground up, VIBE Magazine has emerged as the gold standard for urban media," says Aaron. "Now in our 15th anniversary year, we celebrate her dynamic leadership and vision that will help VIBE break new ground and maintain our top position in this ever-changing market."

Smith originally joined VIBE in 1994 as music editor. By 1996, she was promoted to editor-in-chief, a position she held for two years before leaving to be editor-at-large for Time Inc. After writing two novels, Smith returned to VIBE in 2006, again as editor-in-chief. In September 2007, senator Barack Obama became the first political leader to appear on a VIBE cover, one of many editorial "firsts" under her leadership.

"With the addition of Edgar and our recent key promotions, especially Gary, I believe we are surely fortifying a strong team that will be integral to the continued growth of our business," added Aaron. "We are fortunate to have such talented individuals as part of the VIBE family and I am confident in their ability to continue building our brand."

As Associate Publisher, Edgar Hernandez is driving new revenue opportunities for the VIBE Media Group through in-book, online, and event integration. Prior to joining VIBE, he served as advertising director at Stuff and was previously account director at Complex.

Gary R. Lewis previously served as associate publisher since November 2006. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing all marketing and on-line/off-line promotions for more than 100 advertising clients. Now as chief marketing officer, he is responsible for leading the brand's worldwide marketing and communications strategy and execution.

Lewis' history with VIBE dates back to 1996 when he served as vice president of marketing. He is a pioneer in evolving the industry's participation in the urban market. Prior to re-joining VIBE, Lewis was director of corporate sponsorships at Time Inc.'s, Essence Communications.

  Other recent staff promotions, include (in alphabetical order):

  Chauncie Burton to Marketing Director
  Kevin S. Ford to Research Chief
  Janelle Grimmond to Associate Market Editor
  Sarah Hambrick to Interactive Art Director
  Cher Harrison to Entertainment Account Manager
  Shanel Odum to Associate Editor
  Aileen Payumo to Marketing Associate
  Williams Perkins to Sportswear & Footwear Manager
  Anthony Ragusa to Designer, Creative Services
  Heston Roberts to Web Producer
  Audrea Soongg to Account Executive, Interactive Media
  Michelle Tennant Timmons to Office Manager