Best Version Media Appoints Chris Laurence as New CEO, Elevating Kevin O’Brien to CRO Role

Best Version Media's Leadership Transition: A Strategic Move for Growth

In a recent announcement, Best Version Media (BVM), a notable local media and marketing company operating across over 1,300 communities in the United States and Canada, marked a significant leadership transition. Chris Laurence has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), while Kevin O’Brien, the previous CEO, will now serve as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). This strategic shift is positioned to bolster the organization’s growth and further support its independent publishers and the local businesses they engage.

The decision to appoint a new CEO alongside a CRO illustrates BVM's intent to refine operational focus and enhance sales capabilities. Kevin O’Brien articulated the necessity for this transition, stating, "Our growth has brought us to a point where leading the overall company and leading our sales field each deserve a dedicated focus." This change allows O’Brien to devote his efforts to strengthening BVM’s sales leadership and enhancing connections between local businesses and their communities.

Chris Laurence brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as CEO, CFO, and COO across several public and private companies. His extensive background includes operational improvements and overseeing technological transformation, which are pivotal as BVM navigates its next phase of growth. Before joining BVM, Laurence was a general partner at Brentwood Associates, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles.

Laurence expressed enthusiasm about the role, saying, "BVM has built a powerful combination of community storytelling, local relationships, and marketing solutions for small businesses. I look forward to working with Kevin and the entire team to build on that foundation, strengthen how we operate, and support the success of our Publishers and clients." This acknowledgment of the existing strengths within BVM indicates a commitment to preserving its core mission while seeking avenues for enhancement.

As the newly appointed CEO, Laurence will lead the overall strategic direction and operational efficiency of BVM. He aims to work closely with the team to scale operations and foster the success of independent Publishers within the BVM network. Meanwhile, in his new role as CRO, O’Brien will focus on sales leadership and revenue generation, indicating a clear alignment of the company’s leadership structure with its operational goals. Together, they are tasked with advancing BVM's offerings in both print and digital formats, thus positioning the company for sustained growth.

Best Version Media, founded in 2007, has established itself by connecting local businesses to consumers through various mediums, including community magazines and targeted digital advertising. The network of independent Publishers affiliated with BVM plays a crucial role in fostering local relationships and bringing community narratives to the forefront, thereby serving as a bridge between businesses and customers.

Moreover, this leadership realignment aligns with BVM’s broader objectives of enhancing service delivery to local businesses and, by extension, empowering them with effective marketing strategies. The strategic foresight exercised in these transitions promises to galvanize the organization’s efforts and expand its influence in local markets.

As the company embarks on this new chapter, it remains a part of H.I.G. Capital's portfolio, and its growth trajectory demonstrates a commitment not only to profitability but also to fostering meaningful connections within the communities it serves. The execution of this strategic plan will be closely monitored as BVM endeavors to reinforce its position within the competitive landscape of local media and marketing.

These leadership changes signal a forward-thinking approach as Best Version Media gears up for the future, enhancing its structure to support both organizational and community-level success. The collaboration between Laurence and O’Brien is anticipated to yield positive results as they leverage their combined expertise to lead BVM into a new era of growth and innovation.