Kalmbach names former Meredith media executive David Johnson to Board of Directors

Kalmbach Media, the content creator of brands like Astronomy, Discover, Trains, and Model Railroader has today announced that media executive David Johnson will join its Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled to add David, a business leader with a deep understanding of the corporate development and brand growth strategy process to our board,” says Dan Hickey, CEO, Kalmbach Media. “His experience and knowledge of the media landscape and passion for building great brands will be a tremendous asset to our organisation as we continue our goal of growing and evolving our company.”

Until recently, Johnson served as the Senior V.P., Corporate Development at Meredith (now Dotdash Meredith) for over a decade, and has been at the forefront of many of the company’s key acquisitions and product launches including such well-known brands as Magnolia Journal, Eating Well, Allrecipes, Everyday with Rachael Ray, and Martha Stewart Living, among others. He has also led the acquisition of digital assets to the company’s portfolio including the addition of eCommerce capabilities and platforms Qponix, ShopNation, Yawkey Media, Selectable Media as well as marketing service agencies Hyperfactory, and Iris Worldwide.

In addition to his development experience, Johnson’s background also includes working on critical business growth areas such as product licensing and media partnerships. His work in these areas includes the recent Travel+Leisure partnership/licensing sale with Wyndham Destinations, and the expansion of brand licensing agreements for multiple Meredith media properties including Better Homes & Gardens, In Style, Parents, and Food & Wine.

“I’m excited and honored to bring my knowledge and expertise to Kalmbach’s Board,” says Johnson. “I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences with Dan and his team as they pursue opportunities such as the recent acquisition of Saturn Lounge that will deepen the engagement of their brands with their audiences, while also expanding the ability of their marketing partners to connect in genuine and authentic ways with these customers.”

Johnson holds a BFA in Speech Communication, summa cum laude, from Drake University and resides with his family in Des Moines, Iowa.

Kalmbach Media is a leading independent media company that provides ideas and inspiration to avid hobbyists, enthusiasts and citizen scientists through its multichannel brands including Astronomy, Discover, FineScale Modeler, Classic Toy Trains, Model Railroader, Trains, and Classic Trains.