Biography: J.D. Heyman

Introduction

J.D. Heyman is a seasoned and accomplished creative executive with a diverse background in media, content creation, and editorial leadership. Born in the Midwest, J.D.’s unique journey includes spending part of his childhood on a 100-acre family farm, living in Menlo Park, California, experiencing adolescence in Malaysia, and launching his career in the vibrant city of London.

His multicultural roots, coupled with a passion for language and cultural exploration, have played a significant role in shaping his worldview. The son of Latin American immigrants, J.D. draws inspiration from his maternal grandparents, who never mastered English upon arriving in the United States.

This cultural richness has undoubtedly influenced his approach to storytelling and content creation throughout his career. J.D.’s academic pursuits reflect his intellectual curiosity and commitment to understanding different perspectives.

In college, he delved into Arabic, Japanese, and Marxist theory, demonstrating a keen interest in languages and social ideologies. This diverse academic foundation has proven valuable in his professional journey.

Currently residing in California with his wife Abby and their Havanese dog, Hugo, J.D. Heyman has successfully navigated the challenges of family life while making significant contributions to the media and entertainment industry. Raising two well-adjusted kids in Los Angeles stands as a testament to his ability to balance professional success with personal fulfillment.

Biography of J.D Heyman

Physical Statistics of J.D Heyman 

Qualification and Education of J.D Heyman 

Family of J.D Heyman

Relationship Status of J.D Heyman

Education:

J.D. Heyman is an alumnus of Columbia University and Macalester College, showcasing a commitment to academic excellence.

Career Highlights:

Founder and Chief Creative Officer, CultureWag (December 2020 – Present):

J.D. is the driving force behind CultureWag, a forward-looking content company specializing in recommendation newsletters, insights, and podcasts for cultural influencers.

Under his leadership, CultureWag has experienced remarkable growth, with the audience tripling in size. Notably, the audio series, “3 Glorious Things,” transmitted via the Embershot platform, reaches an audience ten times the size of the average Spotify podcast listen.

Principal, Core Story Consulting (November 2021 – Present):

In his role as a consultant, J.D. lends his expertise to corporate, entertainment, and private clients. His contributions have been instrumental in initiatives at Embershot/Shoot.to, a premier platform in Hollywood, reaching over 350,000 entertainment industry professionals. His extensive network has facilitated partnerships with renowned brands such as L’Oréal, Warner Bros. Discovery, and NBC Universal.

Editor in Chief, Entertainment Weekly (June 2019 – December 2020):

At Meredith Corporation, J.D. undertook the transformation of Entertainment Weekly, a legacy brand with a massive reach. He revamped the brand’s mission statement, content strategy, and staffing to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion. His innovative approach resulted in a 20% audience growth, positioning EW as the youngest and most affluent brand in the Meredith portfolio.

Notable achievements include the launch of digital e-newsletters, the creation of the Awardist digital mini-magazine, and the development of cross-platform franchises focused on diverse consumer groups.

Deputy Editor in Chief, People (July 2016 – June 2019):

Recognized for his success at People, J.D. was appointed Deputy Editor, overseeing all entertainment verticals. His leadership contributed to People’s status as the largest entertainment news brand in the country, reaching millions across various platforms.

J.D. fostered partnerships with industry giants like Twitter, Facebook, Warner Bros., Turner, and Netflix, and played a pivotal role in exclusive coverage of the Star Wars franchise. Notably, he championed diversity within the creative team, with over 90% female and more than 50% BIPOC representation.

Executive Editor, People (April 2010 – July 2016):

As Executive Editor, J.D. spearheaded the overhaul of People’s entertainment teams, transitioning the brand into a 24/7 news operation. His efforts resulted in significant growth at People.com, making it a leader among entertainment news sites. J.D.

Played a crucial role in the brand’s reorganization with McKinsey & Co., maintaining editorial integrity while modernizing operations. He also launched award-winning series tied to major awards shows and film festivals, attracting major corporate partners.

Senior Editor, People (September 2002 – July 2010):

Joining People in 2002, J.D. quickly ascended to a management role, overseeing news, human interest stories, and coverage of the royal family. His digital focus transformed royal coverage, and he negotiated access with Buckingham Palace and Clarence House. J.D. led coverage of major entertainment events globally, negotiating sensitive stories with Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Senior Writer, Us Weekly (February 2000 – June 2002):

As part of the editorial launch team for Us Weekly, J.D. contributed to the magazine’s buzzed-about success. His work included interviews, editing, and news coverage, leading to his promotion to Chief of Correspondents in 2002.

In summary

J.D. Heyman’s professional journey reflects a commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in the media and entertainment industry. His leadership has left an indelible mark on renowned brands, and his current ventures at CultureWag and Core Story Consulting continue to showcase his visionary approach to content creation and brand development.