Mike Webster has joined dmg world media's Home Interest North America (HINA) division as Regional Director, Western Region, it was announced today by the sector's President Tom Baugh....

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Mike Webster has joined dmg world media's Home Interest North America (HINA) division as Regional Director, Western Region, it was announced today by the sector's President Tom Baugh.

Webster joins HINA after spending nearly 26 years with Advanstar Communications, most recently as Vice President and Director of Business Development for Advanstar's Off-Road Group. Prior to that, Webster was Vice President and General Manager of Advanstar's Powersports Group including the highly successful trade and consumer powersports shows including the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows and the Dealernews Powersports Dealer Expo. Webster was integral in not only launching the consumer motorcycle shows but also in leading the group to its current position as the largest and most profitable portfolio of its kind in North America.

In his new role, Webster will oversee 12 of dmg's current portfolio of 38 current consumer home shows, including four shows in Northern California, one in Anaheim, two in Salt Lake City and five of the company's fastest growing shows in Western Canada. He will also be responsible for business development, acquisitions and integration throughout the region.

"Mike is a tremendous addition to our management team and will be integral to our future success in the west and elsewhere under our soon-to-be announced new ownership," said Baugh.

Dmg world media announced plans to sell Home Interest North America in September of 2007. The company has identified a new buyer and intends to announce the completion of the sale in mid-July.

"The timing couldn't have been better," explained Webster. "Producing shows is part of who I am and to have the chance to be part of this company at such a significant time in its development, when there are so many great opportunities for expansion and growth is especially exciting for me."

Although Baugh could not name the buyer, he did confirm that the new owner will purchase the entire portfolio of dmg's North American home shows. "There have been many rumors that dmg would sell off pieces and parts of the division separately," he explained. "We look forward to finishing up the process and making the formal announcement soon so we can put the rumors to rest and get on with growing the business," he explained.