NEW YORK, July 8, 2010 - American Business Media, the leading voice for the Business-to-Business media industry, today announced that it has named Clark Pettit as President and CEO, succeeding Gordon T. Hughes II.

Pettit has extensive experience driving digital transformation in the entertainment and music industries.  He has held key technology and senior management positions at major public media companies and at a digital media services startup within a major consulting firm, and has also advised private equity funds investing in media companies.  His work in the U.S. market is enhanced by a global perspective gained from significant experience on the ground in Europe and Asia.  

“The ABM Board made a conscious decision to select a candidate from outside the B-to-B media industry,” said Charles G. McCurdy, ABM Chairman and President and CEO of Canon Communications, a major B-to-B media company.  “Chosen from a wide and diverse pool of over 100 candidates, Clark has a strong and compelling mix of management and transformational experience in the technology and digital solutions and services markets.”

McCurdy added, “Success for the American B-to-B media industry lies in driving the evolution of how critical content is employed, decisions are made, and marketing services are provided across the B-to-B sector of the U.S. economy.  Extending beyond a strong base of publications and events, these activities are increasingly digital and web-based.  They’re also increasingly tied into the global economy.  Clark’s appointment follows a thorough strategic analysis of ABM’s role in helping member companies address those issues.  His experience set matches our needs exceptionally well.”

Pettit has a degree in chemical engineering but began working in IT early in his career.  In the mid-1990s he moved into the music industry, starting as an IT executive for EMI Music in its international markets before taking on the role of VP-Global Digital Operations & Asset Management in EMI’s New York office.  From there, he moved to Ascent Media Group, a division of Liberty Media, as SVP in its global digital media group, with responsibility for operations and technology across multiple digital service lines.  Later, as General Manager for North America and EVP-Product Strategy for Accenture Digital Media Services, he helped establish and grow a business providing global digital media services to media and entertainment, news, telecom and other major clients.  In addition, Pettit has operated an independent media consultancy focused on the technology and digital solutions and services markets, working with large media companies and private equity investors in media firms.

“The B-to-B media industry is currently grappling with fundamental changes in the ways that businesses get and use information,” Pettit said.  “Many of these changes parallel the ways that the consumer-focused media industry has been transforming, particularly through digital media and internet connected technologies.  I believe that my experience in managing transformational change, embracing these new technologies and behaviors, and finding new business and revenue models will be directly relevant to ABM, its members, and the B-to-B media industry.”

“Going forward,” he added, “ABM will partner with member companies to enhance its leadership role, while delivering new thought leadership, products, and services to members that better enable their success.  At the same time, we will continue to fight for our members’ interests in Washington and develop new industry standards.”

About American Business Media
Founded in 1906, American Business Media is positioned at the center of the global B-to-B ecosystem.   As the only industry association focused across the full spectrum B-to-B media industry – which includes print publications, events, digital media and business information – ABM delivers intelligence to industry professionals worldwide, including on Madison Avenue and Wall Street, and to policymakers in Washington, D.C.  ABM's member companies reach an audience of more than 100 million professionals and represent nearly 6,000 print and online brands and over 1,000 trade shows, with well over $20 billion in annual revenues.  For more information, visit www.AmericanBusinessMedia.com.

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