Ray Chelstowski Leaves Entertainment Weekly

This morning Entertainment Weekly publisher Ray Chelstowski informed the magazine that he has stepped down from his post.  Chelstowski’s resignation was made known to staffers in an email from president and group publisher Paul Caine.  The Hollywood Reporter posted Caine’s brief message on their website:

I am writing with news of a publisher change. Ray Chelstowski has informed me of his decision to leave EW. Over the last two years, Ray and his team have turned EW’s business around, ensuring that today, it is stronger than ever. During this transition, I am counting on all of you and your management team to continue your great success. I will be communicating a plan shortly, and my door is open should you have any thoughts or suggestions. My thanks to Ray for his contributions, and I wish him well in the future.

Chelstowski’s departure comes at a surprising time due to EW’s advertising gains in 2010.  According to a minonline report, as of today the title has recorded a +20.71 percent ad-page differential and is on pace to finish their first year in the black since 2003.

Prior to joining EW in May 2009, Chelstowski served as publisher at Rolling Stone and founding publisher of Prestige New York.

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