Time Inc. business magazines get new ad chief

Fortune|Money Group president Vivek Shah announced Wednesday that Kirk McDonald will become chief revenue officer for the business magazines, effective March 3.

McDonald was previously the senior vice president of sales, marketing and client service for DRIVEpm and Atlas Enterprise, both key units of Microsoft’s advertising business.

Reporting to Shah, McDonald will oversee the Fortune|Money Group’s worldwide advertising sales and marketing divisions and will be accountable for all print and digital advertising revenue.

“Kirk is a seasoned multi-media veteran with deep experience across a range of media brands. He is a skilled business leader with a proven expertise running a business unit, negotiating commercial partnerships, developing sales teams, and delivering positive business results,” said Shah in a statement. “We know he will be a valuable addition to our team.”

McDonald has a 16-year track record in advertising sales and business development, where he previously oversaw both business units’ client sales process, client interactions, and was instrumental in shaping the joint business’ strategy and direction at DRIVEpm and Atlas Enterprise.

Prior to his role at Microsoft, McDonald spent nine years in senior leadership positions with CNET Networks Inc. Before that, McDonald spent eight years in the magazine industry, including Ziff-Davis Publishing Co. and Conde Nast’s Self magazine.

McDonald has his work cut out for him. As Talking Biz News reported earlier this month, Fortune saw a 10.5 percent decline in ad revenue in 2007, and Fortune Small Business reported a 16.8 percent decline.