New President and CEO at Nielsen Media

Susan D. Whiting has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Nielsen Media Research, the US television ratings company, effective from the beginning of next year. She had been President and Chief Operating Officer since May of this year and first joined the company in the late 1970s.

Whiting succeeds John A. Dimling, 63, who is retiring as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Dimling will remain with the company, however, on a part-time basis, serving as non-executive Chairman of Nielsen Media Research in the U.S. and ACNielsen Media International.

"After more than 36 years as a champion of excellence in research, the last 16 of those years with Nielsen Media Research, John has elected to retire from day-to-day management of the company," said Michael Connors, Chairman of VNU Media and Measurement Group. "At the request of the VNU Executive Board, however, John has agreed to continue to serve, on a part-time basis, as Chairman of the combined media research companies - Nielsen Media Research and ACNielsen Media International. As we transition Nielsen Media Research and ACNielsen Media International into a combined global audience measurement and information services company, John will assist us in technology initiatives, international client relations, and will represent our global interests at industry forums. John will continue to be a member of the NetRatings Board, VNU's Media Board and the VNU Executive Committee."

"Susan Whiting inherits a company that, in many ways, she helped to build," added Connors. &uqot;Nielsen Media Research has a track record of consistent financial growth, a commitment to research quality and customer service. Susan has more than 23 years of experience at Nielsen Media Research, the last 14 years as a member of the company's senior leadership team, successfully building strong customer relationships, bringing new information systems to market, and creating new businesses. She is among the most recognized and respected executives in the audience research business. Her practical knowledge of all aspects of audience research - data collection, production and delivery, information systems, custom research, special analysis, and sales and marketing - combined with her business savvy and team-building skills, make Susan uniquely qualified to lead Nielsen Media Research into a new era of research excellence."

All articles 2006-22 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.

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