Desiree Rogers steps down as CEO of Johnson Publishing Co.

Desiree Rogers, has stepped down as the CEO of Johnson Publishing Co. – the oldest Black-owned magazine publisher in the United States.
She stepped down on June 2.

Part of the text of the statement issued by Johnson Publishing Co. is below.

Rogers joined Johnson Publishing Co. (JPC) to help assess growth prospects for the company’s 3 divisions:
Media (which included Ebony and Jet magazines); the Johnson Archives; and Fashion Fair Cosmetics, the world’s largest Black-owned prestige cosmetics company.

During her tenure, Rogers was instrumental in securing several capital investments as the family decided which assets to sell.

In early 2014 an investment banker was hired to sell the media assets resulting in a May 2015 sale. Additionally a contract was completed earlier this week to sell the Johnson archives. Since the media sale, Rogers has focused on increasing the profitability of Fashion Fair as a standalone company.

“We are well positioned to continue my father’s legacy and move these businesses forward in the future. I am delighted to resume the leadership of both companies,” says Linda Johnson Rice, Chairperson of Johnson Publishing.

“I have appreciated my time with the company and am proud of the work we have done here, guiding the sale of legendary assets and strengthening Fashion Fair with a new team. Now is the perfect time to pursue other interests,” Rogers said.

Rogers said she will continue to focus on the nonprofit and corporate boards on which she serves, in particular ChooseChicago, the city’s tourism bureau, which she chairs. Rogers also serves on the board of directors of the Conquer Cancer Foundation, the Museum of Science and History, World Business Chicago, the Economic Club of Chicago, the Commercial Club of Chicago, Donors Choose, and Cradles to Crayons.

She is also a member of the board of directors of Pinnacle Entertainment Inc.

Source: Johnson Publishing Co.