The Book Industry Study Group has named Jeff Abraham its new executive director, succeeding Frank Daly, who is "moving on to new opportunities" after holding the post since the spring of 2001. Abraham, who is not from the publishing industry and was not affiliated with the group previously, is the former CEO of Optimedia. That company, which has closed, provided electronic-publishing solutions and worked with clients such as Elsevier Science and the American Medical Association.
Asked about BISG's role in a time when the media market in general, and the research organization in particular, is reported to be in something of a financial pinch, Abraham responded that he is still learning about the group and its financial status. But he did stress what he felt were the advantages of his new employer: "BISG is in a unique position because it's the only organization that brings together all parties in the publishing value-chain. It's that unique role and focus that I'll be working to promote."
