New York City (October 26, 2020)—After a 33-year career at M. Shanken Communications, Thomas Matthews is stepping down as executive editor of Wine Spectator. Jeffery Lindenmuth, executive editor of sibling publication Whisky Advocate, will assume the role. The transition will take place at the end of 2020, announced Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher of both magazines.
“As executive editor of Whisky Advocate, Jeffery Lindenmuth has done an outstanding job propelling that title into the most highly respected whisky magazine in the world. Under his leadership the magazine has enjoyed significant growth,” added Shanken. “ Having worked closely with him, I believe he can take Wine Spectator to even greater heights. He has a creative and enlightened understanding of consumer publications.”
Lindenmuth joined M. Shanken Communications in 2000 as a contributing editor on wine and spirits at Food Arts magazine, a lifestyle trade publication for chefs and other food professionals. In 2016, he was named executive editor of Whisky Advocate. During his tenure, he has overseen major changes in content and design as the publication grew dramatically. One cornerstone was instituting blind-tasting methodology for whisky reviews, to conform with the philosophy of Wine Spectator and of M. Shanken’s Cigar Aficionado.
“Tom has been an integral part of the company for over 30 years and a true partner in so many ways. His contributions to the success of Wine Spectator cannot be overstated,” said Shanken. “Fortunately, he has agreed to continue in an advisory role, heading up our annual New York Wine Experience program as well as other special projects.”
Matthews joined Wine Spectator in 1988, working in the London and then the New York offices. In 1999 he was promoted to Executive Editor, overseeing print and digital operations as well as events and special projects. Matthews was also the lead taster for the wines of Spain and a principal travel and restaurant writer for Wine Spectator. During his tenure, Wine Spectator became the most widely-read wine publication in the world.
About Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web’s most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews of more than 15,000 wines each year. Parent company M. Shanken Communications, Inc., also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken’s Impact Newsletter.
