Marketwire
MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Oct. 21, 2013) - Yellow Media Limited (TSX:Y) announced today the appointment of Julien Billot as President and CEO effective January 1, 2014.
Following a global search, Mr. Billot was selected due to his record of successfully leading digital transformations in traditional media companies, his accomplishments in generating digital revenue growth, and his knowledge and experience with global digital media industry trends in both web and mobile.
Mr. Billot brings over 20 years of experience in executive level positions within the global media industry, most recently at Solocal Group (formerly PagesJaunes Groupe), the incumbent local search business in France. During his tenure as Executive Vice-President and Head of the Media Group, total revenues from digital products grew from 35% to 58% with a demonstrated increase in digital product profitability margins.
He saw similar success as CEO of the digital and new business group of Lagardère Active where he grew the division's global digital business, multiplying digital revenues for Lagardère Active six times over in a three year period. He also oversaw the successful acquisition and integration of several start-up businesses.
"We interviewed several highly-qualified candidates in Canada and from around the world. Our key focus was to identify a senior leader with experience in executing and delivering digital transformations, a deep understanding of the media industry as well as a keen knowledge of the challenges facing traditional local search enterprises," said Robert MacLellan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Yellow Media.
"A thorough interview process and an assessment by the entire Board have shown Julien to be an accomplished executive with proven ability to deliver on mandates, execute on established strategies and generate business revenue growth. Additionally, he's also well-versed in leading comprehensive change initiatives across large-scale corporate cultures to successful completion," continued McLellan.
"Yellow Media holds an iconic brand in Canada and has already successfully entrenched itself in the Canadian digital marketing landscape," said Billot. "It's an exciting period in this company's history and I'm looking forward to working with the Board, management, employees and all other stakeholders to further the company's digital transformation."
Mr. Billot replaces Marc P. Tellier who left the company in August.
Please note that an analyst call will be held the week that Mr. Billot assumes his new role. Further information will be provided at a later time.
View Mr. Billot's full biography or download photo.
About Yellow Media Limited
Yellow Media Limited (TSX:Y) is a leading media and marketing solutions company in Canada. The Company owns and operates some of Canada's leading properties and publications including Yellow Pages™ print directories, YellowPages.ca™, Canada411.ca and RedFlagDeals.com™. Its online destinations reach 8.7 million unique visitors monthly and its mobile applications for finding local businesses and deals have been downloaded over 5.9 million times. Yellow Media Limited is also a leader in national digital advertising through Mediative, a digital advertising and marketing solutions provider to national agencies and advertisers.