Jessica McNulty, USWeb/CKS, 408-987-3296 or
[email protected]
USWeb/CKS Appoints Executive to Lead Worldwide Business Development
Keith Schaefer to Lead New Strategic Business Efforts
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - April 29, 1999 - USWeb/CKS (Nasdaq: USWB), a leader in strategic Internet and marketing communications services, announced today that it has appointed Keith Schaefer, formerly the Executive Partner of the Northwest region, to lead the company's new worldwide business development effort as part of the company's global growth strategy.
"We recognize the value of having an executive solely focused on growing our business," said Robert Shaw, CEO. "USWeb/CKS is investing more resources in strategic business development to help build global momentum for our services and strengthen our position as an Internet systems and marketing communications powerhouse."
"The market increasingly demands longer-term strategic relationships with Internet professional service firms," said Keith Schaefer, the newly appointed executive partner, worldwide business development. "We need to ensure that USWeb/CKS makes the investment to capture these strategic engagements and that the company is positioned on a global level to offer our comprehensive service offering."
"I am confident in Keith's ability to lead this group based on his strong leadership in the area of business development - bringing in $40M worth of new business over the last year, including clients such as Ask Jeeves, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, CNN/SI, Dick's Sporting Goods, Dr. Koop.com, E*Offering, Talk City, TransAmerica News Corporation and WellPoint," continued Shaw.
In his new role at the company, Schaefer will focus on large-scale, worldwide business development, working closely with the company's regional Executive Partners and Practice Leaders to integrate strategic business efforts among the worldwide regions.
Before being tapped as Executive Partner of strategic business development, Schaefer was the Executive Partner of the Northwest region, responsible for the region's financial performance, client satisfaction, business development, recruiting and employee professional growth. Previously, Schaefer directed the firm's audience development practice. Prior to joining USWeb/CKS, Schaefer co-founded Cybernautics, Inc., an Internet communications company specializing in standard-setting Web site design, content creation and Internet audience development and marketing. Schaefer transformed Cybernautics into a national new media company by securing entertainment, consumer product, and technology clients such as Turner Broadcasting System, Viacom, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Netscape and Intel. Cybernautics was acquired by USWeb in 1997.
Before USWeb/CKS and Cybernautics, Schaefer was vice president of technology at Paramount Communications, Inc. While at Paramount, he established the Paramount Technology Group, a company that developed new and profitable divisions in multimedia and online marketing. He was also responsible for Paramount's venture capital fund.
About USWeb/CKS
USWeb/CKS (Nasdaq: USWB) is a professional services firm that works with companies to define strategies and implement innovative ways to build their businesses by combining the expertise of strategy, Internet technology and marketing communications. USWeb/CKS helps clients differentiate their products and services, strengthen customer relationships, leverage human capital and improve business efficiency in the new digital economy. With more than 2,500 professionals, USWeb/CKS has helped hundreds of businesses advance their marketing communications programs as well as traditional IT and Internet systems-everything from brand development and advertising to business process automation and e-commerce solutions. The Company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. Additional information about USWeb/CKS is available by calling 1-408-987-3200.