Lori O’Connor Takes the Helm as Executive VP and Publisher at The Hollywood Reporter

Aurora Skye6 days agoLast Updated: 9 April 2025

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Lori O’Connor has been promoted to executive vice president and publisher at The Hollywood Reporter.

O’Connor’s appointment, effective immediately, comes as the brand continues to grow and expand in areas such as events, video, branded content, and international operations.

In her new role, O’Connor will oversee THR’s business operations, taking on P&L responsibility. She will lead business and revenue operations across live media, social media, marketing, video operations, licensing, international activities, and sales. Additionally, she will manage THR’s premier awards-season franchises and prestigious live events, including the annual Women in Entertainment philanthropic event and the Raising Our Voices initiative.

“We’re thrilled to announce Lori’s well-deserved promotion to EVP, Publisher,” said Jerry Ruiz, senior vice president of operations and finance at Penske Media Corporation. “With nearly three decades of experience in media, marketing, and sales, Lori has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision. Her proactive approach, business instincts, and strong industry relationships make her the ideal leader to drive THR forward.”

O’Connor is based in Los Angeles.

“I am deeply honored to step into the role of Publisher for this legendary brand,” O’Connor stated. “Media and entertainment have never been more dynamic, thrilling, or challenging than they are today. As the pulse of Hollywood, The Hollywood Reporter offers a distinctive voice backed by 95 years of history, providing us with unparalleled access and authority in the entertainment world. With our unique perspective and strong commitment to embracing change, we are poised to continue redefining industry norms and pushing boundaries.”

O’Connor brings extensive experience in media, marketing, sales, and data-driven solutions to her role. Before joining THR, she spent nine years at Simulmedia as vice president and general manager of entertainment, where she built and led the entertainment vertical. During her tenure, she utilized her strong relationships and market knowledge to work across the company in product, science, operations, sales, and marketing, developing best-in-class data-driven solutions for network, studio, and streaming partners.

Prior to her time at Simulmedia, O’Connor served as publisher of TV Guide Magazine, overseeing advertising sales, research, and marketing. There, she led efforts to push traditional advertising boundaries by creating engaging, organic, and authentic experiences for both advertisers and readers. Earlier in her career, she held agency roles at Grey Advertising and Draft FCB before transitioning to marketing and sales.

In addition to its in-depth reporting and analysis, thought-provoking reviews, world-class photography, and feature exclusives, THR hosts prestigious live events and leads industry philanthropic, empowerment, and diversity initiatives. The outlet also features successful video series, including the Emmy-nominated Close Up With The Hollywood Reporter. In 2024, THR received 40 awards for excellence at the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards and was recently nominated for two Webbys.