Media7

I recently announced on LinkedIn that I have a new job.

After nearly 16 great years at IDG in various roles - CEO of Macworld, leading the MacPublishing joint venture between IDG and Ziff Davis, heading up IDG Connect (IDG's Premium Lead Generation Service) plus various strategic roles on the IDG Executive Committee - with a particular focus on helping the company transition to a digital and online centric organization. Now, it's time to try something new. 

I intend to use the skills developed over the last 20 years in media to set-up Media7 Consultancy - which will focus on helping publishing companies make the transfer to digital as well as growing their online and mobile businesses. I will be working with several organizations as an advisor, some as a board member and for others Media7 will provide consultancy services. I strongly believe that mobile will become the most important media - hence the name of the company - which pays tribute to Tomi Ahonen who for the last couple of years has been arguing this point and has recently published a book on the subject.

I'm also staying close to the IDG family, and will be working with the partners in the San Francisco office of IDG Ventures, assisting them with deal flow and analysis - perhaps, in due course, even getting involved in one of the portfolio companies or companies under consideration.

The economy is very tough but opportunities abound - the companies that make it through the next couple of years will be well positioned to take advantage of the eventual up-turn. The next few years will be about maximizing operational efficiencies and capital preservation while looking for revenue growth - so I'm extremely excited to have the time and flexibility to take a bit of a step back to really evaluate some amazing organizations and exciting ideas and to work with bright, enthusiastic teams - not only start-ups but also legacy companies re-inventing themselves.

I'm most grateful to IDG, in particular Pat McGovern whose vision and leadership remains totally inspiring - my good colleague, IDG's CEO  Bob Carrigan, plus many, many good friends at IDG and in the industry - including IDG's competitors. I've had the good fortune to work with some remarkable people.

I look forward to staying in touch as Media7 evolves.

Comments

[Johnengler]

Congrats Colin. Congrats.

I recently struck out on my own as well.

[Paul Conley]

Congratulations Colin!

[jennifer neumann]

Colin, I am certain you're right about your predictions for the mobile market!

Good luck with your new venture!