• by Sara Guaglione , June 8, 2017

Runner’s World and New York Magazine’s women-focused brand The Cut have announced new editor-in-chiefs.

Rodale Inc.-owned health and wellness brand Runner’s World said Wednesday it appointed Betty Wong Ortiz as its new top editor, the first female to hold the title at the magazine.

“Today, the majority — 57% — of road-race finishers are women, and running is as much a social experience as it is a sport,” stated group editorial director Bill Strickland. Wong Ortiz will report to him.

Wong Ortiz replaces David Willey, who led Runner's World for 14 years before stepping down in April.

Beginning June 19, Wong Ortiz stated she will work to “refine its cross-platform content strategy and more deeply engage and connect with consumers across print, digital, social media and live events."

The announcement was made to coincide with Global Running Day, when millions of runners worldwide pledge to go for a run.

Wong Ortiz was most recently the director of editorial strategy and operations at Bon Appétit. She previously spent six years as the editor-in-chief of Meredith’s Fitness magazine. She has run five marathons and nearly 20 half-marathons.

Separately, The Cut has promoted Stella Bugbee as the site’s first president and editor-in-chief. She has led The Cut as editorial director since it relaunched as a standalone site in 2012. Now, she will oversee the business side as well.

New York Media CEO Pam Wasserstein stated: “Given the stature and immense potential of The Cut, it became clear that we needed to define a new, entrepreneurial role to continue growing the brand across channels."

Wasserstein added Bugbee is credited for creating the “voice and look” of the site, and will work to “move the brand forward into new areas.”

Bugbee’s responsibilities will include expanding The Cut's video production. She will also work with New York Media CRO and publisher Avi Zimak on its branded content and marketing.

The Cut covers politics, careers, gender issues, beauty and fashion.