Fort Atkinson, WI – Carr Davis and Anthony O’Brien were named co-chief executive officers of Cygnus Business Media Aug. 7, replacing Paul Mackler, president and CEO. Mackler departs Cygnus after six years at the helm. As CEO of CommerceConnect Media in 1999, he partnered with ABRY Partners LLC in the $275 million acquisition of Cygnus Business Media in June 2000.
Davis and O’Brien have a background in e-media content distribution. They founded FDCH eMedia in 1993, producing syndication markets for content from major news organizations and real-time direct distribution for business-to-business partners. FDCH eMedia was sold in 2004 and is now known as Morningside Partners, LLC.
Peggy Koenig, managing partner of Cygnus’ majority owner, ABRY Partners, LLC said in a statement that Davis and O’Brien had “extensive abilities to leverage valuable content into rapidly growing, highly profitable revenue streams” and would look to capitalize on unspecified diversified media opportunities. Davis will focus on sales and strategy at Cygnus while O’Brien will handle technical and operational matters.
Prior to joining Cygnus, Mackler was President of Reed Exhibitions and Conference Management Corporation. He is a founding member of SISO, the Society of Independent Show Organizers, and served on its Board of Directors for six years. He also was a Board member of the New York Area Chapter of IAEM, the International Association for Koenig thanked him for his efforts during “a difficult economic period in the B-to-B industry.”
Mackler told Trade Show Executive magazine, “I decided after six good years leading Cygnus Business Media that it was time for a change. Cygnus is a great company with a strong management team, and I wish them all the best. My plans are to thoroughly enjoy summer with my family and do as much kayaking as possible before the season ends. There are a number of exciting opportunities I plan to pursue this Fall.” Mackler said that when there is news to share, he will make it available.
Cygnus Business Media is one of the top ten publishing companies in the U.S. and has four divisions: Cygnus Publishing, Cygnus Expositions, Cygnus Custom Marketing and Cygnus Interactive. The company produces 50 exhibitions and publishes 80 magazines, directories and card decks in sectors ranging from agriculture and construction to fire rescue and law enforcement.
Jeff Price is President of Cygnus Expositions Division.
Reach Peggy Koenig at (617) 859-2959.
