It is, as they say, all happening. Yesterday, Eater reviews launched in beta, showcasing the work of new Eater full-time critics Ryan Sutton, Bill Addison, and Robert Sietsema. The development of the the next-generation version of Eater, launching later this year, is well underway in collaboration with the all-star Vox Product team. And today, to keep that momentum going, here come three promotions engineered to propel Eater further towards escape velocity.
Amanda Kludt, Eater's editorial director, is being promoted to the new position of Eater Editor-in-Chief, effective immediately. In her new role, Kludt — who joined Eater way back in (holy hell) 2008 as editor of Eater NY and rose to oversee the growth of Eater to 27 North American markets — will set the long-term vision for Eater as well as oversee its ambitious hiring agenda. She'll hire for and coordinate the launch of Eater's longform feature program and drinks coverage; work closely with the Vox Media product team on Eater's new design and capabilities; and ponder the possibility of international growth, among other dizzying tasks. Follow along, Twitter folk: @kludt.
Kat Odell, Eater LA's editor since 2009, is giving up that position and moving back to her hometown of New York City, where next month she'll assume the new position of Editorial Producer for Eater. In this new role, Odell will produce and star in a daily Eater video feature and work to develop both short and long series about the national restaurant scene for the site. In addition to covering the restaurant world for Eater, Kat starred in the Bravo reality show "Eat, Drink, Love" and has appeared on numerous programs including "The Chew" and "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." She's @kat_odell.
Sonia Chopra, @soniachopra, the editor of Eater Atlanta, is also changing jobs — and locales — as part of Eater's growth. Chopra, a lifelong resident of Georgia, is moving to New York in the new role as Eater Cities Editor. She'll be tasked with overseeing the day to day of Eater's 27 city sites across America and Canada — and beyond.
Johana Bhuiyan at Capital has more on these moves. As Eater builds for this future, as ever, your feedback, thoughts, and dreams are encouraged; Amanda's at amanda@eater.com; Raphael Brion and his powerhouse Eater National team can be reached at national@eater.com; and your local editors are standing by. Reach out. Say hi. Strap in. This will be fun. —LS