Rodale magazines President John Griffin — the head of titles such as Men’s Health, Prevention and Runner’s World — stunned his bosses Friday by saying he is quitting, effective March 1.
He had been considered at least a dark horse to move up to the post of CEO of Rodale’s entire book and magazine publishing organization.
“I was really surprised,” said Robert Teufel, CEO, who has already initiated a search for his successor, since his announcement last Oct. 13 that he planned to step down early this year.
Teufel says Griffin “was certainly my choice to succeed me, but he decided he’s been doing this print thing long enough.”
While Griffin had Teufel’s vote, it was not clear if Griffin had the votes of the Rodale family, who control the board. They had commissioned the tiny Cheyenne headhunting boutique to handle the search for a new CEO. Griffin’s star may have been dimmed because his division oversaw a $40 million debacle surrounding the company’s purchase — and subsequent shutdown in December — of New Woman.
Griffin, notoriously publicity shy at the best of times, did not return calls from The Post.
Teufel is counting the days till his own exit. “My target date is April 15 — the opening day of the trout-fishing season in Pennsylvania,” he says.