PHOENIX—VIRGO announced a series of investments and additions to the management and sales organization of the company’s Health & Nutrition Network, which features industry-leading brands SupplySide, Natural Products INSIDER, Food Product Design, Inside Cosmeceuticals and Integrative Healthcare Insider.
Industry thought-leader and 16-year veteran of VIRGO, Jon Benninger, has been promoted to vice president and leader of VIRGO’s Health & Nutrition Network. In this role, Benninger will set strategic direction, manage all content and sales operations and oversee the SupplySide brand franchise along with the rest of the management in the network. “I am thrilled to see Jon taking on this very important role within the company," said John Siefert, VIRGO's CEO. “Jon’s strategic vision, industry knowledge and incredible leadership skills are exactly what we need to continue the innovation and growth of our premier brands and events, while his ability to grasp complex industry trends and translate them into programs and projects for our clients will be a fantastic asset to our sales organization."
Jim Wagner, long time health and nutrition content, sales, brand and business development executive, is joining VIRGO as the Health & Nutrition Network Business Development Director, effective Jan. 15. Wagner has more than 30 years of publishing experience, most recently serving as Director of Business Development for New Hope Natural Media's Supply Network. “Adding Jim to the executive management team of the Health & Nutrition Network will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the company," Siefert explained, “where he will focus on key market segments like personal care, the growth of our SupplySide Community and the development of strategic plans for our largest clients."
Other key announcements in the Health & Nutrition Network include the hiring of Kristin Ringdahl as SupplySide Managing Director, investments in the sales organization and newly developed roles on the content team.
Ringdhal has both nutrition industry and business management experience in an entrepreneurial setting as co-founder of Advanced Botanical Research, LLC, a boutique formulator of innovative natural products located in Scottsdale, Ariz. “Kristin’s leadership and strategic abilities are a fantastic addition to the growing management team within the Health & Nutrition Network," Siefert said. “And her keen focus on expanding the event’s education, industry association and partnership position will be key to our future growth."
The sales organization and the content team have been reorganizing to create the greatest level of focused customer attention and reader/user/attendee engagement. “Our sales organization is shifting from an ‘everyone sells everything’ approach, to a focused audience and brand approach that enables deeper, more strategic engagement at the point of the customer," Benninger said. “As our customers are looking for more complex branding, lead generation and custom programs from us, the only way to deliver superior attention and service is with a greater level of focus; I am thrilled we are making this investment. The company has also invested in the development of a new 'Account Executive' program that will serve new and emerging customers in the category with packaged programs that build their brand and fill their lead generation pipelines."
Benninger continued: “Everything we do at VIRGO starts with content, and the Health & Nutrition Network content team, headed by 20-year industry veteran Heather Granato, has organized our talent to ensure we are delivering our content in the context our audience is looking for. With exceptional growth in online traffic (+30%), page views per unique visitor, registered users, event attendees and print publications, this organized focus has propelled our brands to the forefront of the industry."