Joanna Coles
Former Chief Content Officer, Hearst Magazines
The New York Times calls Joanna Coles “one of the most powerful people in media.” Coles stands at the helm of digital media and big tech, overseeing and influencing the dynamic disruptions that the digital revolution has had on the global media landscape. Coles possess keen knowledge of content, narrative and storytelling from the viewpoint of the audience, not just the producer. She gets audiences to care, take notice, engage and share.
Categories :
Full Bio
Joanna Coles is the chairwoman and CEO of Northern Star Acquisition Company I, II, III and IV, which announced a merger with BARK in December 2020 and Apex Clearing in February 2021. She is also the Executive Producer of ABC Freeform’s highly acclaimed The Bold Type, now in its fifth season and inspired by her career. She is the former Chief Content Officer of Hearst Magazines, responsible for 300 magazines globally. She sits on the public Board of Directors of Snap Inc. (Snapchat), Bark, and Sonos; as well as those of the private companies Density, a hard and software company which monitors use of physical space; and KDC, a leading manufacturer for the Health & Beauty industry; and the non-profit Women Entrepreneurs New York City, an initiative to expand female entrepreneurship, with a focus on underserved women and communities.
She advises several companies, including Cornell Capital, a private equity company; the Swedish payment disruptor Klarna, and Bustle Digital Media. She has a production development deal at ABC Studios, creating TV shows across Disney’s streaming platforms including FX and Hulu.
The British-born editor moved to the U.S. in 1997 as the New York Bureau Chief for The Guardian, before becoming the New York columnist forThe Times of London. Coles joined Hearst in 2006 as editor-in-chief of Marie Claire, where she co-produced the Style Network’s unscripted show Running in Heels. She was named editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, the world’s largest women’s media brand, in 2012. She was the executive producer of the unscripted series So Cosmo on E! in 2017.
Over the course of her career, Coles has won numerous prestigious awards for journalism and media leadership. She was recently described by The New York Times as “one of the most powerful people in media.”
A frequent commentator on media, business and women’s issues, Coles is the author of Love Rules, published by HarperCollins, about relationships in the digital age. The book is being adapted for television by FX.
She lives in Manhattan and has two sons with the author Peter Godwin.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Turning the Page to Tomorrow: How will Digital Disruption Continue to Alter the Media Landscape?
Unlocking Creativity as a Key to Innovation
Your Secret Weapon: The Hidden Value of Real Relationships in a Digital World
Why Diversity Makes a Happier Richer Company
Videos
Joanna Coles: Storytelling in the 21st Century
LinkedIn Speaker Series: Joanna Coles
News
Testimonials
GET IDEAS
1 HOUR OR LESS
