The name of the new operating company is Plexus and is designed to convey the concept of ‘connected intelligence’ that defines the new company.
Plexus is a biological terms that means “a network of vessels or nerves,” taking oxygen and information to all parts of the body and connecting the whole system. The name is intended to position the company as a leading business intelligence provider that brings together insight, information, people, live events and analysis, to help professionals go further, faster.
Natasha Christie-Miller, CEO, Plexus, said: “I’m thrilled to announce the name of our new company, Plexus. As well as being a very beautiful word, it is fitting that the name captures the way in which our products connect customers to data, intelligence and relationships that help the individuals, the organisations and the sector as a whole perform more effectively. The markets we serve are made up of many parts - buyers, sellers, users, developers, watchers - and our market-leading products play a crucial part in connecting all these groups together whether it’s through live events or digital information services.
“I’m particularly proud that the name was a result of an incredibly creative and collaborative process involving a large number of our employees and our creative brand partner venturethree. I’m very much looking forward to working with colleagues to take the brand forward towards a full launch in 2016.”
The EMAP and 4C company brands will be retired in 2016.
Top Right Group also announced the appointment of Stefan Beurier as Chief Financial Officer and Sean O’Connell as Chief Digital Officer for Plexus.
Stefan joined Plexus in November from The Economist Group where he was Chief Financial Officer for the global content monetisation and audience development businesses.
Stefan brings a wealth of experience of international businesses, digital, subscription and software businesses. Stefan will be taking responsibility for all finance functions across the new company, with a focus on the growing customer volumes, customer retention and digital usage.
Stefan Beurier, Chief Financial Officer, Plexus, said: “I am delighted to join Plexus at such an exciting time for the organisation and the industry. Bringing such well respected brands together into a new digital subscriptions and events operating company is a fantastic opportunity to deliver truly distinctive content on emerging distribution platforms to our customers in a vibrant, sustainable and profitable way.”
Sean O’Connell joined Plexus on 30th November from Skrill Group, where he was Chief Product and Marketing Officer. Sean has experience in leading product, technology, marketing and insight inside digital businesses that have included Telefonica, AOL and Weve.
As Chief Digital Officer at Plexus Sean is responsible for all digital products and commerce capabilities as well as for leading the technology, data and insight teams.
Sean O’Connell, Chief Digital Officer, Plexus, said: "I'm excited to be joining Plexus at the start of a new chapter. Plexus’ products help make people better in their professional lives - whether that's making smarter decisions or building deeper relationships - and I think that opens up significant new opportunities as the business continues its digital transformation. I’m looking forward to building on the fantastic progress that has been made with the recent launches of digital products like HSJ Intelligence and Retail Week Prospect, by a creating a digital culture with a focus on continuous improvement, rapid learning and centered on customer needs.”
The formation of Plexus continues the evolution of Top Right Group into a customer-focused digital media and events business.
