“Departures” Magazine Arrives in Russia

The biggest thing to hit Russia since Stallone in Rocky IV.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DEPARTURES MAGAZINE TO LAUNCH EDITION IN RUSSIA

NEW YORK, NY (March 28, 2007) — The American Express Publishing Corporation today announced that Departures, the award-winning U.S.-based luxury lifestyle magazine published for American Express Platinum Card® and Centurion® members, will launch Departures Russia,the 13th edition in its international network.  The magazine will be published by the French-based media conglomerate Hachette Filipacchi Shkulev beginning this month.

“At American Express Publishing, we’re excited about meeting the needs of these American Express Card members in this important region through the launch of Departures,” said Kelly.  

“As the robust Russian market continues to thrive, the luxury lifestyle brand of Departures is an outstanding fit for the increasing number of affluent consumers and one more unique benefit and another reason to obtain American Express Card,” explained Rafael Carrascosa, Managing Director of American Express, Russian Standard Bank.

Departures Russia will be published seven times per year.  Alexey Aleksenko, former editor in chief of the Russian edition of GQ, will serve as editor in chief.  This Russian language edition will feature the sophisticated luxury lifestyle content of the U.S. edition, along with original articles for the local Russian market.

Mark Stanich, chief marketing officer of American Express Publishing Corporation, said: “The ability to bring the prestigious Departures brand to Russia is a logical progression for expanding this luxury brand, which has been successful for our partners in the U.S., Japan and throughout Europe.  I know our advertisers will welcome the opportunity to reach the upscale and cultured audience of the growing affluent class in Russia.”

Luxury advertisers in the debut issue include Bentley, Brioni, Bvlgari, Chanel, Chopard, Glenfiddich, La Prairie, Land Rover, Loro Piana, Patek Philippe, Toyota, among others.

“We believe our publishing experience in Russia combined with the highly regarded Departures brand will enable us to  publish this magazine at the highest quality level that will meet the demands of our respected readership,” commented Viktor Shkulev, chairman of Hachette Filipacchi Shkulev.

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About Departures:
Departures, the leading authority on luxury lifestyle, is published by the American Express Publishing Corporation for American Express Platinum Card® and Centurion® members. Departures is published seven times per year and has 13 international editions in the U.S., Japan, Germany, U.K., Russia, Sweden, Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy and Austria, and throughout the Middle East.

About American Express Publishing Corporation:
The American Express Publishing Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Express Company, is the leading publisher of luxury lifestyle magazines: Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, Departures, Travel + Leisure Golf, Executive Travel SkyGuide and Travel + Leisure Family. The company also produces a variety of travel, cooking, wine, time management, and financial books and products, develops online content, operates luxury-market events, and creates custom print and online programs for clients.

Contact:
Jill S. Davison 212 382 5679
Lori Lefevre 212 827 6403  

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