BEBO APPOINTS GOOGLE MANAGING DIRECTOR TO LEAD INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL NETWORKING EXPANSION

Category internet | Permalink | 15. February 2007

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Bebo, the UK’s number one social networking site*, today announced that Joanna Shields, Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships for Google EMEA, has joined the company as President, International, based in the new London office.

Bebo, which is backed by Benchmark Capital Europe, has seen an enormous growth in user numbers since it launched in July 2005. It now has over 8 million users in the UK who spend an average of 145 minutes per day on the site, significantly ahead of MySpace and over double that of YouTube*. The Year-End Google Zeitgeist named Bebo as the number one search term of 2006.

Joanna will report to co-founder and CEO, Michael Birch, and will be responsible for expanding Bebo�s international business. The move marks a significant advance in Bebo�s commercial focus and plans for growth into other markets.

Michael Birch, co-founder and CEO said of the appointment:

“We’re thrilled to welcome such a seasoned professional to our executive team. Joanna has a stellar track record in the online media and entertainment world and a proven ability to transform high-potential companies into high-growth businesses. She is an accomplished leader with an extensive network in the UK, Europe and beyond - this makes her the natural choice to take responsibility over all international matters at Bebo.”

Joanna Shields said:

“There is a true revolution of personal expression underway. Social networks provide a unique platform for people to connect with others anywhere in the world in new and innovative ways. Bebo is at the forefront of this phenomenon and has tremendous potential to connect its massive user base with media companies, brands and artists worldwide.”

At Google, Shields was responsible for building and scaling the company’s syndication network in Europe, Middle East & Africa and establishing all content partnerships essential for Google Video, Google Books and Google Earth and Maps. In this capacity, Shields orchestrated partnerships with some of the world’s largest media and telecom companies, most recently leading Google’s groundbreaking alliance with BSkyB.

Shields’ experience spans over 20 years, during which she has held key senior management positions in leading technology and internet companies, including Vice President, International, for RealNetworks where she was responsible for all operations outside the US as well as launching the company’s mobile business unit; CEO of Veon, a leading internet media technology developer, acquired by Philips Electronics; VP and managing director EMEA for Decru, acquired by NetApp; and VP of worldwide sales at Electronics for Imaging (EFI).

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