Sundial Brands founder Richelieu Denis recently announced that Essence Communications was being purchased by Time Inc.The Essence Communications deal comes also a week after Dennis was knighted by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in Liberia. He admitted him to the Most Venerable Order of the Knighthood of the Pioneer, Grade of Knight Commander.
Sirleaf described Dennis as an “Awesome Hero” according to reports.
Dennis told NNPA Newswire, “Talk about the surreal.” “I can’t bring myself to even say [knighthood]. It has been an amazing week.”richelieu dennis stated that Essence Communications was purchased because of a deep-rooted passion and commitment to ensuring that “we are doing all we can to leverage its power to impact our community positively and to show that we can manage highly-profitable organizations.”
Dorothy Leavell, chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association and publisher of Crusader Newspaper Group said it was great to hear that Essence magazine ownership has been returned to the Black community.Leavell stated that she hopes Black entrepreneurs will look at the products and work of the Black Press, and “seek out some light.”
We are hosting Richelieu Dennis
Although financial terms of the Essence Communications acquisition were not disclosed, Dennis stated that he is not only keeping Essence President Michelle Ebanks (who will still run the company), but that he will also join the board of directors of the organization and head an all-Black executive team at Essence. Ebanks will also have equity stakes in Essence.Ebanks stated that she was overwhelmed by gratitude to the NNPA Newswire.Ebanks stated that it was an exceptional and special privilege to be part of a group that would work to elevate Black women in the sector. richelieu dennis stated that the deal to buy Essence was reached quickly after reading an article in Wall Street Journal about Time Inc.’s plans to sell the company.
Be clear about what you are looking for in your new hires. richelieu dennis is looking for people who want to build his brand and culture, not their careers. It is the brand that comes first and it will benefit the employee’s career. The culture of the company reflects the brand and encourages thought diversification. He can also learn more from the questions of his potential employees and draw their connection to the brand.
