Michael Clinton and Hearst announced the formation of a new venture, ROAR forward, a business-to-business intelligence insights and content platform and consumer membership community focused on the new market of “Re-Imagineers.” This new demographic segment of individuals aged 50 and over is redefining the second half of life in their careers, passions and lifestyles. Clinton founded the entity with Hearst as partner and investor; the terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
ROAR forward will provide business insights and intelligence to brands and companies through the ROAR Report with proprietary data and research, as well as with bulletins, seminars, workshops, original content and events to shed light on the dynamically changing market demographic of individuals aged 50-plus.
ROAR forward will also host a Re-Imagineer community through a membership platform that will provide content, learning modules, events and more.
“Today’s 50-plus-year-olds represent 35% of the population,” Clinton said. “As longevity increases, this group is completely redefining their futures, rejecting old patterns of work and lifestyle. That includes working longer, becoming entrepreneurs, developing new fitness and wellness regimens and more. Government, business, media and entertainment need to understand how this group is changing all of the cultural patterns.”
“Re-Imagineers are driving the ‘New Longevity’ economy,” Clinton continued. “This market controls almost 70% of all of the wealth in the U.S. and accounts for 50% of consumer spending power. They have ambition and new attitudes and behaviors unrivaled by any previous demographic group. ROAR forward’s goal is to help businesses and our membership community connect in better ways with this new reality.”
“Michael is one of the most creative thinkers and marketers I’ve ever known,” said Ken Bronfin, senior managing director of Hearst Ventures. “He has identified a unique market and developed a strategy with huge growth potential. Our investment strategy is focused on businesses that are adjacent to Hearst’s diversified portfolio, and ROAR forward connects the dots between brands, a vast group of consumers and important business intelligence.”
ROAR forward is an outgrowth of Clinton’s best-selling book, ROAR into the second half of life, now in its third printing. He is a speaker and writer on the subject of the New Longevity for Esquire, Men’s Health and Oprah Daily. In late 2022, DailyOM, in partnership with Everyday Health, will launch a seven-lesson ROAR course curriculum.
ABOUT MICHAEL CLINTON
Michael Clinton was named senior media advisor to the CEO of Hearst in May 2019 after 21 years at the company. He had been president of marketing and publishing director of Hearst Magazines since June 2010 and was a member of the board of directors of Hearst Corporation.
Clinton joined Hearst in October 1997 and was elevated to executive vice president, chief marketing officer and publishing director of Hearst Magazines in 2001. Prior to that, Clinton was executive vice president of Condé Nast Publications, where he oversaw sales and marketing for the company’s 15 national titles, including Vogue, Vanity Fair and Architectural Digest. Before that, he was Condé Nast’s senior vice president of group sales and marketing and spent 10 years at GQ magazine, including six years as publisher. He began his career in media at Fairchild Publications.
Clinton is the founder and president of the nonprofit organization Circle of Generosity. He has served as chairman of the board of the Volunteers of America, as well as on the boards of the Starlight Children’s Foundation and Lifetime Television Network. He also serves as a trustee for the International Center of Photography. In addition, he is the former chairman of the Association of Magazine Media (MPA). Clinton is an avid traveler and photographer and the author of 11 books.
A magna cum laude graduate from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science, Clinton also earned a master’s degree from Pace University’s Lubin Graduate School of Business and a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Columbia University. He holds an honorary doctorate from Pace University.
ABOUT HEARST
Hearst is a leading global, diversified information, services and media company with operations in 40 countries. Its major interests include global financial services leader Fitch Group; Hearst Health, a group of medical information and services businesses; Hearst Transportation, which includes CAMP Systems International, a major provider of software-as-a-service solutions for managing maintenance of jets and helicopters; ownership in cable television networks such as A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime and ESPN; 33 television stations; 24 daily and 52 weekly newspapers; digital services businesses; and nearly 260 magazines around the world. Follow us on Twitter @Hearst. To learn more about Hearst, visit hearst.com.
