Emil Wilbekin Named Editor-in-Chief of Vibe Magazine

Posted on August 5, 1999

Robert L. Miller, President of Miller Publishing Group LLC., has announced that Emil Wilbekin has been named Editor-in-Chief of Vibe. He succeeds Danyel Smith, editor of the magazine since July, 1997, who leaves to become an Editor-at-Large of Time Inc. Wilbekin, 31, who has worked in virtually every editorial capacity at the magazine, was recently promoted to the newly created position of Fashion Editorial Director at Vibe and its sister publications Spin and Blaze.

Robert Miller had this to say, "Emil has clearly been the editorial connecting force at the magazine focusing on several of our core industries through music, journalism and fashion. We have always recognized his spark and expertise and are confident that he will take Vibe to an even more powerful level. We are truly excited about his past devotion to the Vibe franchise, and look forward to his new editorial vision."

Wilbekin said, "During my seven years at Vibe, I've edited almost every section of the magazine, written and conceptualized cover stories, edited music features, and created what I think are some of the most innovative fashion pages in any music magazine. As Editor-in-Chief, I believe I bring my knowledge and experience to all areas of the magazine, and eagerly anticipate taking Vibe into the new millennium."

Wilbekin, a graduate of Hampton University, also attended Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. He has been a reporter for Metropolitan Home, the Associated Press, the Chicago Tribune, and People. In addition, he has written for The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and Emerge.