| CNET Networks Hires Joseph Gillespie as Chief Marketing Officer; Media Heavy-Weight Embodies Company's Growth Strategy |
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 25, 2004--CNET Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNET) today announced its hiring of media heavy-weight Joseph Gillespie as its new - and first ever - Chief Marketing Officer. Gillespie is a veteran sales and marketing executive with 20 years of experience spanning online, television and print media. He joins CNET Networks from his most recent post as executive vice president, chief operating officer, and "acting chief executive officer" of Vulcan Ventures' TechTV, the successful technology cable network and affiliated Web site. He will officially start at CNET Networks on July 7th. "Joe is a dynamic leader who personifies CNET Networks' growth strategy, as we build upon our unique portfolio of interactive content sites," said Barry Briggs, CNET Networks' chief operating officer. "His proven success in building brands across multiple media types, his marketing relationships with blue-chip companies in a range of categories, and his knowledge of broadband makes him the perfect fit for our long-term plan." Gillespie joined TechTV - then Ziff Davis' ZDTV - as EVP/COO in 1999, when it was just one year old. He managed the business through the Vulcan acquisition, the brand re-launch from ZDTV to TechTV, and the launch of brand extensions including TechTV.com. Early on, Gillespie recognized the evolution of the technology category into a lifestyle brand opportunity. He broadened TechTV's information-based programming, incorporating more entertainment-oriented content showing consumers how to make the most of technology in their everyday lives. The strategy resonated, and within five years, TechTV's subscriber numbers more than quadrupled, reaching 44 million homes, and its advertiser base expanded to include leading consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and automotive companies. With the move to CNET Networks, Gillespie is embarking on his next mission. "We are seeing a major shift of marketing spending to online," he said. "As key demographics like 18- to 34-year-old males spend more of their time online, marketers are recognizing the importance of the medium, but it is still underutilized as a brand building medium. CNET Networks is ahead of the curve in creating effective brand-building opportunities, and I wanted to be associated with the most innovative and forward-thinking interactive content company in the space. CNET Networks was the obvious choice." Gillespie also noted the synergy between his technology background and CNET Networks' established leadership in online technology content. "CNET Networks and its marketers recognize the enormous value of its core technology-interested audience. This is simply the highest quality audience demographic and psychographic there is, and therefore the most promising for the broadest range of marketers, from technology, to automobiles, to fast food and beer." In his role as CMO and a member of the CNET Networks executive committee, Gillespie will oversee the company's sales and marketing departments, helping to set strategies and build game plans in support of the company's long term growth objectives. Prior to joining TechTV in 1999, Gillespie served as executive vice president, corporate sales and marketing for Ziff-Davis Inc., when it was a Softbank Company. In that role, he created the first integrated, cross-platform media selling organization, representing all of ZD's business lines, which included print, Web, events, television, research and distance learning services. Gillespie spent his early career in sports media, with companies including CBS Sports, National Broadcasting Company, and Sports Information Database, Inc. He is a 1983 graduate of Rutgers College and a current member of its advisory board, as well as a Cable Advertising Bureau board member. About CNET Networks, Inc. CNET Networks, Inc. (www.cnetnetworks.com) is a premier global interactive content company that informs, entertains, and connects large, engaged audiences with content in the personal technology, games and entertainment, and business technology categories. Known for its editorial expertise, the company combines its award winning content with the power of interactive technology to provide its users an intuitive, dynamic and relevant environment. The company's content portfolio features top brands including CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, GameSpot, and mySimon, as well as Computer Shopper magazine, and CNET Channel. With a strong presence in the US, Asia and Europe, CNET Networks has operations in 12 countries.
CONTACT: CNET Networks |