Former Runner’s World publisher Andrew Hersam joins Competitor Group as Executive Vice President of Media. He’ll lead Competitor’s publishing division and new media initiatives. Competitor publishes endurance sports magazines and hosts events like Muddy Buddy.

Jose Antonio Vargas is leaving the Washington Post to become technology and innovations editor at The Huffington Post, effective next month.

The Reader’s Digest Association named Karol Nickell editor in chief of RDA Home & Garden magazine, as well as vice president. Nickell, from 2001 through 2006, was editor of Better Homes & Gardens.

Dan Leif, a copy editor at Advertising Age, has been named associate editor of Fresh Cup magazine, which is for coffee and tea professionals.

Global communications consultancy Maxus has named Karen Kaufman worldwide business development director.

Karma Media Labs has hired Tom Williams, previously v.p. of marketing communications at MySpace, veep of client services.

Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness has named Ned Russell executive vice president and director of client services, a new position at the company.

Online ad agency Clash Media has named Jeff Pavelcsyk business development manager. Pavelcsyk comes from Innovation Ads, where he helped launch, develop and manage its education division.

(h/t MediaLife and various press releases)