Ziff Davis Enterprise Expands Team, Streamlines Operations

NEW YORK, Apr. 17 /PRNewswire/ --

NEW YORK, April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Ziff Davis Enterprise, B2B technology's trusted information and marketing resource, today announced several key additions to its editorial team and other related organizational changes.

"My first quarter on board here has afforded me many insights on the opportunities ahead and the wealth of talent, products and audience reach we have," said Steve Weitzner, chairman and CEO, Ziff Davis Enterprise. "It's also illuminated areas where we need to expand our talent pool as well as further streamline operations across our editorial brands and product portfolio."

New additions to the team include:

Mike Azzara

In this new role of SVP, Product Management, Azzara is responsible for the operation and development of the company's online network products and print brands. Azzara previously partnered with Weitzner at CMP where he is credited with revitalizing the TechWeb Network after the industry meltdown of 2001. Azzara also served in a number of publishing and editorial roles at CMP and was a catalyst for that company's entry into web video and micro-targeted online advertising.

Stephen Wellman

Stephen Wellman joins the company in the newly created position, Director of Community and Content, reporting to Azzara. Wellman is a well-known blogger and editor who has covered mobile technology, Google, and a variety of other pervasive technology topics -- most recently for CMP's TechWeb and FierceMarkets. At Ziff Davis Enterprise, Wellman will spearhead community and content strategy for eWeek, and contribute to the company's other market- leading brands, including Baseline and CIO Insight. "Stephen brings a deep understanding of and extensive track record in the ongoing changes in media usage, content co-creation and distribution methods. We're confident our audience, our editors and business people will find Stephen's insight, direction, and total immersion in the media revolution intoxicating and captivating," said Weitzner. "We are thrilled to have Stephen with us pushing the envelope."

Other Organizational Changes

In a number of moves designed to create products and services more tightly focused on ZDE's audience interests and customers' needs, the company also announced the following promotions and appointments:

Larry Walsh

Walsh, currently editor of Baseline Magazine will become VP and Group Publisher of Channel Insider. Channel Insider is a group of products dedicated to the unique needs of the IT channel audience. It connects technology vendors with VARs, systems integrators and other channel partners who deliver technology solutions to mid-market and enterprise users. Walsh will leverage his extensive channel knowledge and experience to further develop our relationship with both the audience and our customers and expand the group of products and resources devoted to this sector.

Eric Lundquist

Eric Lundquist will move to the position of editor-at-large. In that position, Lundquist will blog on a regular basis, continue to write profiles of technology industry leaders, remain a regular columnist, engage in new video projects and speak at technology events. "Eric's role as editor-at-large job enables him to remain a visible part of eWeek while engaging in some new strategic, long term projects," said Weitzner.

Kirk Laughlin

Kirk Laughlin has been named VP, Managing Director of Live Events. Kirk was previously editorial director of Ziff Davis Enterprise Events. In his new role, Kirk is charged with continuing the company's leadership position in the custom event business, developing and implementing a successful strategy for our branded events, and forging links between the world of live customer engagements and digital communities.

At the same time as these appointments Ziff Davis Enterprise announced a restructuring in which select positions across the company have been eliminated. "The changes we've made better align our structure and our resources with a business that has changed radically over the past few years." Weitzner said. "We've formally established product management and development functions and balanced our resources to accommodate the market dynamics of our print and digital lines of business. By streamlining our operations, we've sped up decision making and responsiveness, all of which translates into improved experiences for our audience and customers. I am optimistic about our opportunities for growth as our revamped team works together."

About Ziff Davis Enterprise, Inc.:

Ziff Davis Enterprise, Inc. is B2B technology's trusted information and marketing resource. Millions of technology buyers rely on our relevant, objective content to identify the right solution for their organization. Over 300 technology companies, from industry giants to emerging start-ups, rely on our contextual marketing, content and audience development expertise to compress sales cycles and lower their go-to-market costs. Leading brands include Baseline, CIO Insight, eWEEK, Baselinemag.com, CIOInsight.com, eWEEK.com, WebBuyersGuide.com, the Developer Shed network, as well as eSeminars, Virtual Tradeshows, Events, and Custom Media services. Ziff Davis Enterprise has a global database of 4 million users representing an unparalleled community of business and technology professionals, developers, and the channel. www.ziffdavisenterprise.com