|
|
Presiding over a media company’s transition from print to digital can be a tricky proposition—even without the decline in print ad revenue. It becomes even more problematic when that company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, as  Ziff Davis Media did in spring 2008. The bankruptcy filing has been one of the tougher challenges Jason Young has had to deal with since assuming the Ziff Davis Media CEO post in August 2007, following an earlier role as president of the company’s consumer/small business division.
Intrepid Leader
But with18 years of media experience (16 at Ziff Davis) under his belt, Young’s got the DNA for tough challenges. Quickly, he helped guide Ziff Davis Media from its financial morass through a restructuring that settled long-standing debt and established a capital model to support the company’s growth. He also was instrumental in overseeing the seven-year transition of the flagship PCMag brand to a digital-centric base.
During this difficult period, Young, whose duties encompass overseeing strategic positioning, product and business development and sales, was able to drive revenue growth by maintaining important relationships with key clients such as Microsoft, IBM, Lenovo, Dell and their respective ad agencies. In 2008, his first full year as CEO, Young presided over a 30% increase in total company profitability.
Happily Repeating History
This feat was not without personal precedent: Starting in 2001, Young began to cement his industry reputation as one of the leading innovators in digital media by becoming the vice president of sales for Ziff Davis Interactive. In this position, he fortified the brand’s Internet footprint, growing its audience and revenue at an annual growth rate of in excess of 50% from 2002 to 2005.
Prior to his 2007 CEO appointment, Young’s roles in the Ziff Davis hierarchy shifted according to his added responsibilities. In April 2002, he was promoted to senior vice president/general manager of Ziff Davis Interactive, and in October 2004, he was tapped to be president of the consumer technology group.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Heather Miller, Regional Sales Manager, Allrecipes.com: At Allrecipes.com, Miller’s many contributions included closing Allrecipes.com’s two largest deals: Campbell’s and Smuckers. Starting with the company in 2007, Miller exceeded her sales goals; by the second quarter of 2008, she had already met her annual sales quota. Miller recently joined FEAST, a new centralized digital advertising sales team that will enable strategic sales across the entire Food & Entertaining Affinity, which includes Allrecipes.com, tasteofhome.com and rachelraymag.com
Gregory Montgomery, VP, Strategic Account Director, EE Times: Gregory Montgomery’s success can be attributed to her fearlessness; she works with her clients to develop programs that deliver results no matter what it takes. Montgomery reacted creatively to the drop in print advertising, building custom Web sites, doing database consulting and creating e-commerce opportunities. Her hard work paid off: Montgomery reached 11% of her 2008 sales goal across all three of EE Times’ media types—online, print and events.
Back to Best Sellers page
Best Sellers Archives
|
|
