RSS
Follow Us
Santa Ana, CA - January 27, 2005 - Advanstar Communications, Inc. - a leading publisher of print, event and online media for the powersports, off-road and automotive aftermarket industries - today announced the hire of industry heavyweights Skip Johnson and Maurice "Mo" Murray. Skip Johnson, the former Executive Producer of Primedia's Motor Trends Auto Shows, joins Advanstar as Vice President, Powersports Consumer Events. With nearly 30 years of experience in consumer events and publishing, Johnson will be tasked with expanding the success of Advanstar's Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® presented by Toyota Trucks, as well as progressing new consumer opportunities. Maurice "Mo" Murray, previously Senior Vice President of Brand Development at Global Motorsports Group, will now act as Advanstar's new Business Development Director, concentrating on the highly-customized and expansive V-Twin market. Equipped with over 15 years of powersports brand and media experience, Murray's focus will be on growing Advanstar's presence in the V-Twin market and helping the company develop new products for the burgeoning sector. The addition of Johnson and Murray is the latest in a series of aggressive measures Advanstar has taken to increase its product offerings and capabilities for its customers. "With Skip Johnson and Mo Murray joining our strong cast of industry players, including: Mike Webster, Jim Ryan, Tracy Harris, Mike Vaughan, Mike Kidd, Lance Bryson, Doug Ferguson, Larry Silvey and Terri McMenamin, Advanstar is building the strongest media team ever to serve the vehicle market," said Executive Vice President Danny Phillips. "Our long leadership roster represents decades of combined experience and media knowledge customers can't get anywhere else." Advanstar has taken further steps to support this new growth by reconfiguring their existing leadership team. Mike Webster, Vice President & Business Development Director, will now concentrate on the growth of Advanstar's Off-Road Group. Tracy Harris has been promoted to Vice President, Powersports Trade, with a focus on expanding Advanstar's existing trade portfolio - including Dealer Expo, Big Twin East/West, Dirt Expo and Dealernews - as well as capturing new sponsorship opportunities. "Through the organizational restructure, our leadership is now able to act in a more specialized capacity, with greater focus on our growth opportunities," said Phillips. "What we've created for our customers is an entire suite of qualified, experienced specialists with capabilities spanning all facets of the industry. Couple that with the fact that we currently reach 1.5 million buyers nationwide - through our Automotive Aftermarket, Powersports and Off-Road Groups - and it's clear why Advanstar has become the one place businesses go to satisfy all of their media needs." "We are now the only multi-level solutions provider for manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers, at every stage in the buying process, across multiple vehicle markets. In simple terms, we're making it easier for our customers to do business with their customers, at every level," continued Phillips. The staff changes and additions referenced in the release go into effect immediately. For more information, please contact Allison Durgin at: (714) 513-8420, adurgin@advanstar.com. About Advanstar Communications Inc. About the Advanstar Powersports Group About the Advanstar Automotive Aftermarket Group About the Advanstar Off-Road Group ### |
