United Business Media Announces New CMP Chief

United Business Media (UBM) has announced the appointment of Steve Weitzner as chief executive of CMP Media, the company’s electronics and online media arm.

The new role sees Weitzner replace current chief executive Gary Marshall. The move sees Weitzner rise from his position as chief operating officer, which he has held since 2002.

Amongst his achievements in recent years is the driving of CMP’s online, webcasting and custom publishing businesses, with his expertise helping to turn around the firm’s performance through several successful acquisitions.

Commenting on his appointment David Levin, chief executive of UBM, said: “Our strategy is to bring buyers and sellers in specialist markets together, to transact business through print, portals and face-to face meetings. Steve has the skills, knowledge and passion to make the business increasingly customer focused, to lead the online migration of the business and to drive top line growth.

“Gary Marshall has made a major contribution to UBM over the past eleven years, in particular in managing CMP Media through the turbulent period of its integration into UBM and the subsequent collapse of the technology bubble. The Board and I wish him well for the future”

Earlier this year saw UBM announce its half-yearly results ahead of expectations, predicting further growth in the second half of the year and standing optimistic in the face of a “tough market” for print titles.

The company’s half-yearly finances also revealed the positive impact of CMP Media’s acquisition for the first time. Speaking at the release Levin said: “UBM delivered a strong overall performance in the first half of 2005, including the first time impact of the mid 2004 acquisition of CMP Media. UBM is a great business with many strong market positions in specific verticals. We are steadily working at making those positions even stronger” (see UBM Optimistic After Strong First Half).

UBM: 020 7921 5000: www.unitedbusinessmedia.com