NWP begins a new chapter
By : Thom Barnhardt
After five years as CEO of New World Publishing, I'm stepping down, making way for a new leader and marking the beginning of a new stage for our company. This past summer we hired Jeff McAllister from GTE's directory publishing business to run all operations, and after a promising start, our board elected him as CEO last week. McAllister brings a wealth of publishing experience from his 10 years at GTE, having run their publishing operations most recently in Hungary, and earlier in Belgium.
His appointment marks a new period for NWP, and I'm enthusiastic about our company's prospects over the next few years. And as a shareholder, founder and board member, I have both an emotional and financial interest in NWP's continued success as it moves into this next stage of life.
The year 1999 looks to be our best year, in terms of revenue growth, profitability, and growth in readership of our Business Journals. We are also investing time and money in our four web sites (wbj.pl, bbj.hu, pbj.cz, ceebiz.com) and are optimistic that the internet will significantly expand our readership, and by extension our ability to add greater value to our advertisers.
I will remain in Poland, pursuing several private publishing and internet investments and start-ups. I'm optimistic about Poland as it trundles towards European Union (EU) membership, about the internet investment opportunities here, and I've come to enjoy the vitality of Warsaw and its wonderful people. For the many of you who I won't see on a regular basis through the Business Journals, please stay in touch.
Thom Barnhardt
Thom@wbj.pl
Since arriving in Hungary in 1995 to start GTE Yellow Pages, I soon found myself beginning every Monday morning reading the Budapest Business Journal while drinking too many cups of unusually strong coffee. It became a habit, a weekly routine that I considered my first business meeting of the week. My reliance on the Journals to bring me the business news made me realize the true value of the products.
Having lived in the region for nearly five years, I can appreciate the challenges facing business leaders on a daily basis and how important accurate information can be in decision making. Now, as the New World leadership baton is passed from Thom Barnhardt to me, I am driven to expand our readership and increase value to our advertisers through product innovation and improvements. Providing our product users with the most comprehensive, accurate and timely information to facilitate business will not only be our mission, it will be our formula for success. The integration of our printed and on-line products will greatly increase the access to our information and provide a greater emphasis on our commitment to independent and objective journalism.
I know that the hard working, diligent teams of people we have in Budapest, Prague and Warsaw are able to continue to deliver the quality that our readers have come to expect. I thank Thom for all of his hard work and know that our entire company can count on his continual support. I truly enjoy the pioneer spirit in this company and the chance to work with so many dynamic people to build and grow businesses in these three markets. As our company transitions to meet your needs, I welcome and encourage your feedback.
With strong coffee or something else, I hope you also develop the habit of beginning your days with a product of New World Publishing.
Jeff McAllister
President and CEO
100301.503@compuserve.com
