Richard Beckman, who until today was president of the Conde Nast Media Group, has just been made president and CEO of the Fairchild Fashion Group. Yes, you read that correctly. Short version (we are surmising): Unless Conde Nast has suddenly decided to devote all their energy to WWD, WWD.com, and Footwear News(!), etc. this can probably be considered a demotion.

Here's how the press release delicately phrases it: "This position provides [Beckman] with a unique platform to realize our vision for the FFG franchise worldwide."

The release then goes on to detail Beckman's years of experience and (many) accomplishments at the company: "Mr. Beckman has been President of the Conde Nast Media Group since July 2004, as well as the Chief Marketing Officer (C.M.O.) for Conde Nast. Previously, from 2002-2004, he was Executive Vice President and C.M.O. of Conde Nast. Under Mr. Beckman, the corporate sales and marketing group of Conde Nast evolved into the Conde Nast Media Group, which now supports all of Conde Nast Publications and Conde Nast Digital."

Like we said, hard to make this seem like anything but a demotion, or perhaps a slow, cushiony exit? Thoughts?

Also, "Louis Cona, Senior Vice President of the Conde Nast Media Group, will now oversee the Media Group." Full release after the jump.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2009

RICHARD BECKMAN NAMED PRESIDENT AND C.E.O.
OF THE FAIRCHILD FASHION GROUP

Richard D. Beckman has been named President and C.E.O. of the Fairchild
Fashion Group, it was announced today by Charles H. Townsend, President and C.E.O. of Conde Nast. His appointment is effective immediately. Mr. Beckman will be responsible for all of the Fairchild Fashion Group (FFG) which includes WWD, WWD.com, Footwear News, Fairchild Summits, Fairchild Books, and Fairchild Classified. He will continue to report to Mr. Townsend.

"Richard has strong relationships in the fashion, beauty and retail
communities both here and abroad and he is one of the most creative minds in the media business," Mr. Townsend said. "This position provides him with a unique platform to realize our vision for the FFG franchise worldwide."

Louis Cona, Senior Vice President of the Conde Nast Media Group, will now oversee the Media Group and report to Mr. Townsend.

Mr. Beckman has been President of the Conde Nast Media Group since July
2004, as well as the Chief Marketing Officer (C.M.O.) for Conde Nast.
Previously, from 2002-2004, he was Executive Vice President and C.M.O. of Conde Nast. Under Mr. Beckman, the corporate sales and marketing group of Conde Nast evolved into the Conde Nast Media Group, which now supports all of Conde Nast Publications and Conde Nast Digital.

During the course of his twenty-three year career at the company, Mr.
Beckman has been Publisher of three Conde Nast titles and was named Conde Nast Publisher of the Year twice. He was Vice President and Publisher of Vogue from 1998 until early 2002; from 1996 to 1998, he was Publisher of GQ; and from 1994 to 1996, he was Publisher of Conde Nast Traveler. During his tenure, all three of these magazines were named to AdWeek's Hot List. He began his career at The New Yorker in 1986.