Bauer Media exec Christian Baesler joins Complex Networks as its first president
Complex Networks, the Verizon and Hearst joint venture and parent company of the multiplatform media outlet Complex, has named Christian Baesler to the newly created role of president.
Former Bauer Xcel Media head Christian Baesler joins Complex as first president / Complex Networks
Baesler has been asked to oversee the day-to-day operations of Complex Networks and its portfolio of brands – Complex, First We Feast, Rated Red, Sole Collector and Pigeons & Planes. Founded by streetwear designer Marc Ecko in the 2000s, Complex now has generated over 1.2bn video views a month across its digital platforms and now distributes its content for 18-24 year-olds through Facebook, Go90 and Fuse Network.
He joined from Bauer Xcel Media, Bauer Media Group’s global digital division, where he was its president, overseeing its UK and US businesses. Baesler spent nearly a decade in its headquarters in Hamburg before relocating to New York to create Bauer Xcel Media and focus on growing its online brands and expanding its global digital portfolio. During his tenure at Bauer Media’s global digital division Xcel, he built the US operation into a team of more than 70 across editorial, technology, marketing and product management. In addition to his US responsibility, Baesler expanded his role to include Bauer Media’s digital business in the UK, where the company has become the largest magazine publisher, as well as Europe’s largest commercial radio operator.
His new role, Complex said in a statement, “brings together the core digital business teams that have bolstered Complex Networks to the leading voice of youth culture.”
The announcement of his hiring was made today by Complex Network's chief executive, Rich Antoniello. Baesler will be located in the company’s New York headquarters starting April 2.
“I’ve been following Complex’s rapid growth for years and am very impressed by what Rich and the exceptionally talented team have built,” said Baesler. “I’m incredibly excited to join at this critical time to help build Complex Networks into the world’s leading force in youth culture.”
Added Antoniello: “Complex Networks is at a nexus point having built strong brands and a slate of programming that attracts a massive audience, resulting in strong year over year revenue growth. We’re now poised for our next phase, to be the leading multi-brand, multi-platform media company serving youth culture globally. Christian is an exceptional executive with deep knowledge of the digital landscape and an impressive track record for guiding businesses to achieve their fullest potential. His insight and demonstrated ability to deliver results in the increasingly turbulent digital media industry makes Christian the perfect executive to guide the ship while we build the next iteration of Complex Networks. He’s also a terrific guy, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the team."