Founder Gary Press to Continue as Chairman of the Board, Ensuring Continuity and Strategic Leadership
Lifestyle Media Group (LMG), the parent company of an award-winning portfolio of print, digital, and live-event brands that includes Lifestyle, South Florida Business & Wealth, LUXE, and CHARITABLE magazines, is announcing the transition of ownership from founder Gary Press to Ray Chehata, chairman of Chehata Family Holdings. As part of the transition, effective Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Press will remain actively involved as chairman of the board, providing strategic guidance and ensuring continuity as the organization enters its next phase of growth.
Founded more than 14 years ago, Lifestyle Media Group has grown into one of South Florida’s premier multimedia companies, publishing 12 magazine brands while producing many of the region’s most recognized business, luxury, philanthropic, and community events. The company’s publications and platforms have become trusted voices, connecting influential leaders and organizations throughout South Florida.
“This has never been just about publishing magazines,” says Press. “It has always been about building a platform that celebrates the people, businesses, and communities that make South Florida extraordinary. Watching these brands grow over the past 14 years has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I couldn’t be more confident in passing the torch to Ray Chehata, whose values, leadership, and vision make him the ideal person to lead Lifestyle Media Group into its next chapter.”
Chehata serves as chairman of Chehata Family Holdings, an investment company with ownership interests in businesses worldwide. Over the past decade, he has focused on building and investing in South Florida companies committed to sustainable growth, innovation, and community impact.
“Every decision we make, we make with the next generation in mind—we build companies to hand down,” says Chehata. “That changes how you treat every employee and every customer.” Chehata adds, “It is an honor to continue the legacy Gary has created. Lifestyle Media Group has earned the trust of the South Florida business community by publishing meaningful journalism, celebrating exceptional leaders, and creating events that bring people together. We look forward to investing in these iconic brands while expanding our print, digital, and live event platforms throughout the region.”
Lifestyle Media Group’s executive leadership team will remain unchanged, including:
Michelle Simon: publisher, Lifestyle Media Group & LUXE; co-publisher, CHARITABLE
Kim Sarni: publisher, South Florida Business & Wealth; co-publisher, CHARITABLE
Melanie Smit: creative director
Laine Doss: group editor-in-chief
Steve Lederman: traffic manager
The company’s editorial, creative and client services teams — including Monica St. Omer, Evelyn Suarez, Ben Hamilton, Justine Robb, Alexander Hernandez, and Clarissa Zilberman — will also remain in place, continuing to support Lifestyle Media Group’s award-winning publications, digital platforms, signature events, and community partnerships.
Together, Press and Chehata share a vision centered on innovation, trusted storytelling, business leadership, and community engagement. Under Chehata’s ownership, Lifestyle Media Group will continue to expand its influence throughout South Florida while remaining committed to its core mission: celebrating leadership, fostering connections, championing business excellence and telling the stories that shape the region’s future.
About Lifestyle Media Group
Lifestyle Media Group (LMG) is one of South Florida’s leading multimedia companies, publishing a portfolio of 12 magazine brands, including Lifestyle, South Florida Business & Wealth, LUXE, and CHARITABLE. LMG is also a South Florida leader in digital platforms and signature events. For more than 14 years, the company has celebrated the people, businesses, and organizations that make South Florida one of the nation’s most dynamic regions.
