thomsonlocal.com appoints new Chief Executive Officer

March 19, 2012 - PRLog -- Local media company thomsonlocal.com has announced today that it has appointed Paolo Giuri as Chief Executive Officer, replacing Elio Schiavo, who will become CEO of thomsonlocal.com’s German-based sister company, Telegate A.G. with effect from 1st April 2012.

Giuri joins thomsonlocal.com from Europages, Europe’s leading business to business online directory, where he will also continue to hold the position of CEO.

Schiavo, who will continue in his role of Chairman of the Thomson Directories Ltd. Board, said: “Our strategy is very different to that of our competitors and we are seeing signs that it is working.  In my time with the company, I am extremely proud to have led our transformation both in terms of strategic positioning but also financial results.

“We have stabilised customer numbers and we are delivering a strong customer retention performance.  We have also significantly reduced year-on-year declines in revenue and EBITDA.

“These achievements put thomsonlocal.com in a position where, for the first time in a number of years, it could see positive growth.”

He continued: “Paolo will be an extremely valuable asset to thomsonlocal.com and his experience will allow the company to continue on its journey from print directory to local media company.”

Paolo Giuri said: “thomsonlocal.com is at a very exciting transitional period, taking it away from its printed directory roots, towards a ‘local media company’ business model.  This gives small businesses in the UK a real opportunity take full advantage of a wide range of media to help them grow and a strong reason to move away from traditional yellow pages style advertising.”

He continued: “I am looking forward to developing the thomsonlocal.com value proposition further and consolidating our place as the only local media company our customers need.”

Prior to his current position, Giuri has held roles within the Seat Pagine Gialle group including Head of Quality and Customer Relationship Management, Head of Group Planning and Control and Mergers and Acquisitions Manager.  It was in this position where Giuri first began his relationship with thomsonlocal.com; as he led the acquisition of the Thomson Directories Ltd. business for Seat Pagine Gialle in August 2000.

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thomsonlocal.com has been operating for over 25 years and has established itself as the leading local search company in the UK. Today, business listings are available both in print and online following the launch of ThomsonLocal.com in 2003.