min magazine 2008 B2B Executive of the Year
Friday, November 7, 2008

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Tad Smith
CEO, Reed Business Information

Smith oversees the largest B2B publishing co. in the U.S. (books included Variety, EDN,
Restaurants & Institutions) while its parent co. Reed Elsevier has put RBI on the block. We had questions for our B2B Executive of the Year:

How have you dealt with this economic crisis?

We are extremely careful on the cost side. Second, we are focused on market share and average pricing on our print properties to ensure we are not leaving any money on the table. Most important, we are expanding our online products and services (particularly lead generation), as well as creating new and exciting programs (e.g., Variety’s Power of Youth and Broadcasting & Cable’s revitalized Hall of Fame) so we provide our clients with effective opportunities to reach their target audiences.

Will industry sales be able to weather the crisis?

It’s difficult to see where our economy is headed; however, we think it is prudent to be cautious with respect to the print advertising outlook over the next year. Online advertising is largely untested in a period of economic malaise. I am optimistic...but plan to view budgets with a pragmatic approach.

What changes would you like to make at RBI?

My vision for RBI in five years is one with a large, growing, and attractive portfolio of online products and services that business customers love, in the most attractive markets in which we operate. That portfolio would be complemented by terrific magazine brands, conferences and other events, as well as research services that collectively surround our customers with smart products to help them make sense of and create value in their world. RBI would have twice the percentage of electronic revenue as it does now, and a staff population that is in the top ten percent of job satisfaction.

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