Urban List appoints new CEO
Lifestyle publisher Urban List has appointed a new chief executive officer, Mumbrella can reveal.
After a search that attracted over 250 candidates from across the consumer brand and media industries, Ben Naparstek has been named as the new CEO, where he will use his media expertise to push Urban List into its next phase of growth.
He joins with over 15 years of experience in media and consumer technology, having previously held leadership positions at SBS, Edelman and Amazon. He headed up global marketing for fitness tech company Sweat, and has also served as general manager of Finder International.
“As traditional media models show signs of strain, it’s critical for us to invest in audience-obsessed, customer-centric thinking and innovation,” Naparstek told Mumbrella.
“Having long admired the distinctive warmth and zeitgeist-defining intelligence of Urban List’s content and brand integrations, I’m thrilled to lead Urban List into its next chapter, super-serving its loyal, intent-driven audiences while exploring new avenues for expanding impact and reach.”
Ben Naparstek, Susannah George
Naparstek will report to Urban List’s founder and former chief executive, Susannah George, who has led the business since its inception in 2011.
George will remain involved in the business in a strategic capacity.
She said the recruitment process was both humbling and rewarding, having recognised the influence the publisher has.
“We were inundated with high-quality candidates, many in senior roles at industry-leading companies; and time after time, they shared extraordinary belief in the Urban List brand and market potential,” she told Mumbrella.
“Ultimately, I wanted someone who would be a true champion of both our vision and our values, capable of leading in a way that enhances the experiences of our clients, community and team, and driving growth in value and in loyalty in every interaction they share with us.
“Ben’s track record of value creation for all stakeholders, and deep passion for what’s possible for Urban List, made him the clear choice to lead the next stage of our journey.”
Urban List’s growth journey has begun taking shape this year, having recently expanded into Hong Kong, building on its APAC footprint. As part of an exclusive partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the publisher will showcase cultural experiences and diverse neighbourhoods in the region.
Daniel Harris, commercial director of Urban List, said in May: “Our audience’s appetite for travel is insatiable, and they have Hong Kong on their minds.
“They’re looking for meaningful content from a trusted source that gives them confidence in the buying and booking decisions they are making.”
The publisher has also made moves internally to boost its growth journey, having appointed 12 team managers who act as an extension to the publisher’s executive team. The team managers have experience across commercial, content, and operations.
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Lauren McNamara is the associate editor at Mumbrella, covering the creative and PR beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
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