Michael Pekovich named editor and creative director of Fine Woodworking

The Taunton Press announced today that Michael Pekovich has been named Editor and Creative Director of Fine Woodworking, taking on the leadership of the company’s flagship brand. Pekovich succeeds Tom McKenna, who has held the top editorial spot since 2013; McKenna has been promoted to Group Editorial Director and will oversee the editorial operations of three of the company’s brands: Fine Woodworking, Fine Gardening, and Threads.

“I couldn’t be more excited for Mike and Tom,” says Taunton CEO Renee Jordan in making the announcement to the team today. “Together, they bring over 50 years’ experience with the company, delivering excellence in the craft of woodworking inspiration and instructional content that has defined the quality of The Taunton Press brands.”

Pekovich joined Fine Woodworking in 1996, moving across the country from California to Connecticut to align his line of work (graphic design) with his lifelong passion (woodworking). Over the decades, his furniture designs and projects have graced the pages and covers of the magazine and have been the showcase of many video workshops. “Mike truly embodies all that is inherent in the brand ethos Fine Woodworking,” Jordan continues. “He is an inspiring furniture designer, craftsman, and teacher as well as an engaging writer and visual storyteller. He commands a vast and magical influence throughout the woodworking community; he promotes excellence by example.”

“Mike has a knack for presenting complex concepts, projects, and techniques with clarity, and his exemplary graphic work has inspired and educated an entire generation of woodworkers,” adds McKenna. His book, The Why and How of Woodworking, was published by The Taunton Press in the fall of 2018 and quickly became a bestseller.

“As the creative director at Fine Woodworking, I’ve worked to realize the magazine’s mission of shining a light on the craft’s top makers and sharing their wisdom with passionate woodworkers in informative and inspiring ways,” says Pekovich. “In my new role, I’m excited to expand that vision across the entire brand platform to create a fuller, richer user experience that incorporates not just print, but digital and video content as well.”

As Pekovich takes on the day-to-day editorial leadership for Fine Woodworking, McKenna will lead the content strategy and collaboration with the marketing, sales, and product development teams for multiple brands in the portfolio. Now in its fifth decade, Fine Woodworking is experiencing record-level audience growth and engagement across all platforms – print magazine, premium access for digital membership, podcast, social media following, and virtual experiential programming.