Phillip Picardi Exits Los Angeles LGBT Center for New Role at WeightWatchers (EXCLUSIVE)

The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s chief strategy officer Phillip Picardi has exited the organization after two years for a position at WeightWatchers.

Picardi has been named chief impact officer at the weight management company, focusing on building communities inside and outside of WeightWatchers. He will lead teams across brand marketing, communications, social impact and employee experience.

“I’m thrilled to join the team at WeightWatchers at this revolutionary moment in weight health,” Picardi tells Variety. “What appeals to me most about this opportunity is that community is at the heart of this company and its legacy—which makes us uniquely positioned to chart meaningful, informative conversations about our bodies and the choices we make to take care of them. I’m excited to build upon WeightWatchers’ mission and enhance our leadership in this space.”

WeightWatchers CEO Sima Sistani said, “We’re so thrilled to welcome Phill to the team at WeightWatchers, and are excited to see his expertise in community, brand, and storytelling come to life at this pivotal moment in the weight health landscape.”

Among Picardi’s many achievements at the LGBT Center, he shepherded Donatella Versace’s visits to its Hollywood campus before the designer was named the organization’s inaugural global ambassador. He also revamped the center’s annual gala, which most recently honored “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo. Picardi oversaw a Giving Tuesday fundraiser with Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz and helped launch DEI events, including Highly Favored for Black History Month and Latinx Heritage Month’s Queerceañera.

Picardi will continue to support the center, assisting with the gala in the spring and other efforts related to talent and media relations.

“Phillip made an invaluable impact on the center — helping to ensure that our organization’s life-saving services and holistic model of care were seen and appreciated by new and wider audiences,” center CEO Joe Hollendoner said. “We are so excited that he will continue to support our organization through our gala and other initiatives throughout the year, and are proud that he will always remain a part of our center family.”

Prior to the center, Phillip spent over a decade in media, serving as the editor-in-chief of Out and editorial director of Allure. He is best known for his role as the chief content officer of Teen Vogue, leading to its recognition as the fastest growing women’s magazine in the U.S. for two consecutive years. He also founded them, Condé Nast’s first-ever LGBTQ+ publication.