O’Neill named editor of WSJ. magazine

The Wall Street Journal announced Wednesday the appointment of Kristina O’Neill as editor of WSJ. magazine.

She replaces Deborah Needleman, who left to run the New York Times luxury lifestyle magazine.

Effective Oct. 29, O’Neill will oversee all editorial content of WSJ., the Journal’s luxury lifestyle magazine that appears as part of WSJ Weekend. O’Neill most recently served as executive editor of Harper’s Bazaar magazine, where she has worked since 2000.

As the number two editor at Harper’s Bazaar, Ms. O’Neill helped drive the magazine’s editorial vision and direction. She was instrumental in more than a decade of designer coverage, collaborated with storied writers and photographers, oversaw brand extensions and was an integral part of the critically acclaimed March 2012 redesign.

“The appointment of Kristina, one of America’s most talented editors, marks a new phase of the exponential evolution of WSJ.,” said Robert Thomson, editor-in-chief of Dow Jones & Co. and managing editor of The Wall Street Journal, in a statement. “We are increasing the frequency and expanding global reach in the coming year with our winning mix of intelligent writing and visual virtuosity — gloss without dross is our magazine mantra.”

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining The Wall Street Journal, with its incredible reputation and reach,” said O’Neill in a statement. “WSJ. Magazine is on a roll, and I can’t wait to pick up the momentum and create content that further drives the conversation.”

O’Neill will report to Ruth Altchek, who has been named to the newly created role of editorial director for WSJ Weekend, overseeing the Off Duty lifestyle section and WSJ. Magazine. Altchek has served as editor of Off Duty since August 2011, after joining the Journal as a news editor to help oversee the section’s September 2010 launch.