Melissa Dowling has been named editor-in-chief of Multichannel Merchant, effectively immediately.
She replaces Sherry Chiger, who left the magazine in June.
Dowling will have the primary responsibility of developing content across a multimedia franchise that includes Multichannel Merchant magazine, its website and multiple enewsletters. Multichannel Merchant is a property of Penton Media’s Marketing Media Group.
“Melissa has played a key role in our success over the last 17+ years, and we’re thrilled to see her in this leadership role” said Ray Schultz, editorial director of Penton’s Marketing Media Group, which includes Multichannel Merchant, Direct, PROMO and Chief Marketer.
Dowling joined Multichannel Merchant (formerly Catalog Age) in 1989. As a reporter, she covered merchandising, operations and international marketing, as well as general industry news.
She has served in a variety of editorial positions with the publication since then, and has been executive editor since 2004. Prior to joining Multichannel Merchant, Dowling worked for Exposures, a catalog of photo accessories and gifts.
“I’m excited to continue serving this dynamic industry in my new role,” Dowling said. “The business has evolved dramatically in the two decades I’ve been covering it, moving from a print catalog model to include websites, retail stores, and an increasing emphasis on operations and fulfillment. I look forward to providing readers with content and insights that will continue to position them for multichannel success.”