New CEO of Forbes Media named

Mike Perlis has been named the new CEO and president of Forbes Media, the parent company of Forbes magazine.

He’s the first person outside the Forbes family to run the company in its 93-year history.

Perlis joins Forbes Media from SoftBank Capital, a venture capital firm focused on high-growth, Internet-based businesses, where he served as a General Partner. He focused on content businesses including, Beliefnet, Huffington Post, Associated Content and Buzzfeed.

Prior to joining Softbank, Perlis served as president and CEO of Ziff-Davis Publishing, president of TVSM and president of the Playboy Publishing Group. Earlier in his career he was chairman and CEO of IDG Peterborough, publisher of Gentleman’s Quarterly and ran the Rodale Active Sports Network. He began his career in media as the co-founder of New England Publications in Camden, Maine.

“This is an unprecedented time in the media business that demands bold moves,” said Steve Forbes, chairman and editor in chief of Forbes Media, in a statement.  He continued, “Fundamental changes at Forbes began with the restructuring of the sales and marketing groups. In June, Lewis Dvorkin returned to Forbes as chief product officer, after a decade developing new media for AOL and then his own entrepreneurial venture, True/Slant. He brought with him a savvy and creativity to what Forbes needs to accomplish in the new media environment. He has already implemented powerful, exciting changes in our editorial products.

“With the arrival of Mike Perlis, Forbes has been joined by someone who is a proven leader, with great successes in his impressive career. We are fortunate he will be leading the company as CEO, charged with taking a great brand to greater, expanded success.  Mike is a well-liked, known and admired force in our business. His experience, coupled with the range of arenas he has spent time in, are the ideal skills that Forbes demands in the days and years moving forward. He will be joining the company on Dec. 1.”

Tim Forbes, Steve’s brother, will remain chairman of Forbes Digital, a member of the board of Forbes Media and one of the company’s chief strategists in the new era of Forbes.

“What an exciting time to come to Forbes,” said Perlis in a statement. “The Forbes brand is legendary in print and a very powerful force in digital here and around the world.  As media and content continue to evolve, brands are going to play an even more important role. The Forbes name in business and lifestyle is unsurpassed as is its track record for innovation and creativity.  I look forward to working with an amazing team  at Forbes and our Elevation partners to take Forbes to even greater heights.”