James Kaminsky
James Kaminsky
Senior Editorial Director and Digital Content Strategist
Senior Editorial Director and Digital Content Strategist
James Kaminsky has built a respected editorial leader and digital content strategist career, influencing many well-known media brands. From traditional print publications to dynamic digital platforms, his expertise has significantly evolved editorial direction and expanded audience engagement. His leadership at Maxim, Playboy, Rolling Stone, Men’s Journal, Realtor.com, and Homes.com highlights his adaptability and vision in a rapidly changing media environment.
Growing up in Westport, Connecticut, he developed a passion for storytelling early on. This interest guided him to Boston University, where he completed a Bachelor of Science in Film and Broadcast Journalism. While at Boston University, Kaminsky contributed to the campus newspaper, gaining valuable writing and editorial experience. Additionally, an internship as a junior reporter at the Boston Globe offered him firsthand exposure to professional journalism, helping him build a strong foundation for his future career.
After graduation, Kaminsky moved to New York City to begin his publishing career. He started as a staff writer and steadily climbed the editorial ladder. A key early milestone came when he was named editor-in-chief at Act III Communications, a publishing venture led by television pioneer Norman Lear. He directed editorial strategy and managed a team producing content focused on the intersections of entertainment, business, and emerging technologies. This position expanded his leadership skills and sharpened his editorial judgment.
Keen to reach broader audiences, Kaminsky transitioned into consumer media. He freelanced for major publications, including The New York Times, Details, and GQ. His growing editorial expertise led to senior roles at Men’s Journal and Conde Nast Sports for Women. At Men’s Journal, he contributed to defining the magazine’s identity through a diverse mix of adventure stories, fitness coverage, product reviews, and in-depth interviews. His work at Conde Nast Sports for Women included launching a new magazine and digital platform, giving him valuable experience in magazine creation and digital strategy.
In 1999, Kaminsky joined Maxim as executive editor during the magazine’s expansion into the U.S. market. Originally a UK-based title, Maxim grew rapidly under his tenure, becoming the country’s leading men’s magazine and one of the fastest-growing independent publications in U.S. history. He played a pivotal role by managing editorial planning, daily operations, and shaping content that connected strongly with readers. His efforts contributed significantly to Maxim’s cultural impact during this period.
Kaminsky’s success at Maxim led to his appointment as editorial director of Playboy in 2002, making him only the third person in the magazine’s history to hold that position. He focused on modernizing the publication while maintaining its legacy. He expanded long-form journalism, introduced new photography styles, and guided Playboy’s editorial reinvention to appeal to a younger demographic without losing its core identity.
Returning to Wenner Media in 2005, Kaminsky took on senior editorial roles at Rolling Stone and Men’s Journal. At Rolling Stone, he broadened the magazine’s editorial scope beyond music, leading news coverage and managing feature stories. As the top editor of Men’s Journal, he directed a significant redesign and launched the publication’s first digital platform. These initiatives resulted in increased sales and growth in digital readership.
In 2007, Kaminsky returned to Maxim following a private equity acquisition to revitalize the brand. In response to a fragmented market and digital competition, he expanded editorial coverage, adjusted publishing frequency, and prioritized mobile-first content strategies. He also collaborated with sales teams to develop branded content partnerships, reflecting the evolving media landscape.
After Maxim, Kaminsky became Executive Editor of Life Reimagined, a digital startup launched by AARP targeting Americans in their 40s and 50s preparing for retirement. He helped develop the editorial voice and created content tailored to this demographic, a group underserved by traditional media. His leadership helped grow the platform’s influence and relevance.
Starting in 2015, Kaminsky served as Senior Editorial Director at Realtor.com. Over eight years, he built the editorial division from scratch, hiring a team 13 and working closely with SEO experts, product managers, designers, and video producers. Under his leadership, Realtor.com became a leading resource for consumer real estate content, with organic traffic growing by more than 250% and page views increasing by over 300%.
Most recently, Kaminsky led a New York City-based editorial initiative at Homes.com focused on luxury urban housing. He managed a team of 10 writers specializing in architecture and style, covering high-end condos and cooperative apartments. The role required cross-department collaboration and involvement in training AI models to support scalable national coverage, showcasing his integration of editorial leadership with emerging technology.
Beyond his professional work, James Kaminsky enjoys cycling and hiking. He is an avid film buff, particularly drawn to the works of Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, and contemporary independent filmmakers. He is also a broad reader, engaging with fiction, nonfiction, journalism, and criticism. He remains a committed fan of the New York Jets, embracing the team's ups and downs.
Today, Kaminsky works independently as a writer, editorial strategist, and consultant. He frequently contributes to various publications and agencies, including Ad Age. His ongoing efforts continue influencing editorial innovation and media strategy in an ever-evolving landscape.
Learn more:
https://adage.com/studio-30/aa-how-directv-is-reinventing-choice-for-viewers-and-marketers
https://adage.com/studio-30/aa-ltk-likes-loyalty-measuring-value-consumer-trust