Cahners Creates New Internet Division

Posted on September 6, 2000

Cahners Business Information, a subsidiary of Reed Elsevier plc, has announced that it has created a new Internet division, Cahners Digital, and appointed a former Starwood Hotels & Resorts, BMG Entertainment, and McKinsey executive, Tad Smith, to serve as president.

``Creating an Internet division enables us to increase our speed to market and expand our impact in key market sectors,'' said Cahners CEO Marc Teren. ``In the coming weeks expect to see Cahners accelerate its rollout of vertical portals that, thanks to our most recent acquisition, eLogic, will be the most dynamic and content-rich tools available on the Internet.''

Smith will report to Teren and will work closely with Chief Operating Officer and Publishing Division President Brian Nairn. Smith will oversee the new division that includes eLogic, the recently purchased Web content management company, plus all of Cahners' Internet activities, including the vertical portals being developed in the construction, retail, entertainment, electronics, and other market sectors. Smith will also manage Cahners' licensing, wireless and broadband activities and will also serve as Chairman of the Board of Manufacturing.Net, a joint venture with Aspect Development/I2 Technologies.

``Cahners has world-class, content assets, and the opportunity to work with Marc Teren and Brian Nairn in shaping how the company grows online was too exciting not to jump at,'' Smith said.