US - Greg Farrar is stepping down as president of Nielsen Business Media some time this spring as part of a reorganisation of Nielsen’s trade show business.
Nielsen chairman and CEO David Calhoun announced that Farrar would end his 23-year career with the company after taking part in the launch of a new division. Nielsen Expositions will be led by Joe Randall, group president, and David Loechner, senior vice president, retail. Both are trade show and Nielsen veterans. They will report directly to CFO Brian West.
Farrar told Exhibition World partner Trade Show Executive that he was enthused both about the prospects for Nielsen and for the next step in his career. “With the reorganisation, it was a good time to leave,” he said.
Farrar said he expected the current global economic upheaval to create significant changes in many industries, which will result in new shows being launched. “I think there are a lot of businesses out there that will need experienced leadership,” he said. “With the economy hopefully poised to rebound, there will be some attractive opportunities.”
Nielsen Business Media generated more than US$300 million in revenue in 2009 and now produces 41 trade shows and publishes 19 magazines. Its four operating groups are organised by market: building design, retail, media and entertainment, and brand media.
