The Wall Street Journal - Changes to the European Managing Director Role

The Wall Street Journal announced the appointment of Jon Housman, 37, former chief executive officer and co-founder of New York-based media company Jungle Media Group, as the new managing director of its European edition. He succeeds Rien van Lent, 50, who is leaving the company to establish his own consultancy business based in Europe.

Mr. Housman will lead the European business operations as The Wall Street Journal launches a set of global initiatives next month designed to better serve its international readers and advertisers. On Oct. 17, the new Wall Street Journal Europe will offer readers a redesigned, compact version of the newspaper edited to meet the needs of international decision-makers, plus enhanced and unique content integration between the print and online editions. It is the first pan-European daily publication to announce a move to compact format and the first to offer a fully integrated print and online newspaper, available 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

Mr. Housman will have overall responsibility for the group's printing, circulation, advertising, marketing, finance and distribution functions, as well as new business development. In his new role, he will report to Penelope Muse Abernathy, senior vice president of international and development for The Wall Street Journal.

"Jon brings a wealth of experience in the media sector, a solid background in finance and strategy, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit," Ms. Abernathy said. "He has a commitment to growing the business and I'm confident will bring enormous strengths to the team and capitalize on the fine work put in place by Rien as he has positioned the paper for the most exciting new phase of its 22-year history."

"I'm both honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead The Wall Street Journal Europe at such an important and innovative phase in its history," Mr. Housman said.