CBS Interactive Chief to Exit at Year-End

NEW YORK: CBS Interactive’s CEO, Quincy Smith, will be stepping down from his role at the end of the year to start up an advisory business, where he will consult CBS Corporation on its digital-media strategy.

Smith had led CBS Interactive since November 2006 and will remain at the company through the end of 2009. Neil Ashe will continue as president of the division. Via his new consultancy, Smith will advise CBS Corporation on issues such as monetization of online video, technology partnerships and other growth opportunities. 

“I’m very pleased to extend our relationship with Quincy, who is one of the finest minds working in interactive media today,” said Leslie Moonves, the president and CEO of CBS Corporation. “Quincy helped put CBS Interactive on the map and we are now a Top 10 presence in premium content. His entrepreneurial spirit and his passion for the business have helped this company attract some of the most creative minds working in digital media. I know he will continue to be successful in all he’s yet to do, and we’re very happy to have Quincy working with us in this new role at CBS.”

“It’s a huge honor to count CBS as my first client,” said Smith. “In three years, this company has grown its Interactive profile immeasurably, and yet there is so much more to be done. I love CBS and its people and I look forward to working closely with them to help CBS become the premier video content company, regardless of platform or screen. I especially want to thank Leslie for his leadership and counsel, and for giving me this opportunity to continue working with CBS.”