Neil Ashe
Chief Executive Officer
Neil Ashe, Chief Executive Officer, joined CNET Networks in 2002, as Senior Vice-President, Corporate Strategy and Development. In 2005, Mr. Ashe assumed the role of Executive Vice-President and his responsibilities expanded to included day-to-day management of the Community and Lifestyle, Business, Channel and International divisions.
Mr. Ashe has led the company's content expansion strategy, including numerous acquisitions to develop its existing products and expand into new categories which attract new audience and customer segments. During his tenure, the company has acquired MP3.com, Webshots, Chowhound, Urban Baby and China-based ZOL, PC Home and X-Car. This strategy has resulted in new product development, audience growth and revenue streams for the company. In addition, Mr. Ashe is a key spokesperson to both the investment and advertising communities and has been instrumental in CNET Networks' growth and success.
His broad-based expertise in all facets of the business, together with his outstanding management and leadership skills, are valuable assets that serve the company well as it continues to be an important player in the developing media landscape.
Prior to joining CNET Networks, Mr. Ashe founded and served as chief executive officer of several start-up companies in the Internet, business-to-business, electronic-marketplaces, and financial-services industries. From 1996 through 1999, he served as managing director of Crest Communications Holdings LLC, a private equity-investment firm. From 1990 through 1994, he held positions in the Mergers and Acquisitions group of Smith Barney, Inc.
Mr. Ashe holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS from Georgetown University. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children.
