• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, November 20, 2012

David Zinczenko, who helped shape the iconic, typically shirtless Men’s Health franchise, is stepping down as editor in chief and leaving publisher Rodale before his contract expires at the end of December, the company announced Monday. Zinczenko is also stepping down as editorial director of Women’s Health, Prevention, and Organic Gardening, as well as general manager of Rodale’s Healthy Living Group and Rodale Books.
 
Bill Phillips will take over as editor in chief of Men’s Health, stepping up from his current position as editor of the Men’s Health Web site and executive editor of the magazine. Men’s Health editor Peter Moore has been promoted to vice president and editor for the title, while executive online editor Adam Campbell has been promoted to editor of MensHealth.com.
 
According to the New York Post, Zinczenko is leaving Rodale to start a new business in partnership with Rodale Books publisher Stephen Perrine, who is also leaving the company. Rodale stated that Zinczenko will continue to work with the company as an author for Rodale Books.
 
Since joining Men’s Health in 2000, Zinczenko has built up the magazine -- and his own profile -- as a media personality and author of best-selling titles targeting men with diet and exercise advice, including “Eat This, Not That,” “Cook This, Not That” and “The New Abs Diet."
 
While the Men’s Health franchise is arguably more visible than ever, the magazine has not been immune to the broader downturn in print advertising, with ad pages slipping 2.4% in the third quarter, according to the Publishers Information Bureau. That compares favorably to an 8% decline for consumer magazines overall.

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