Christian Baesler named chief operating officer of BuzzFeed, Inc.

Christian Baesler

Jonah Peretti, founder and CEO of BuzzFeed, Inc., a premier digital media company for the most diverse, most online, and most socially engaged generation the world has ever seen, has named Christian Baesler as chief operating officer. Baesler, who will continue to serve as CEO of Complex Networks, joined BuzzFeed, Inc. when BuzzFeed, Inc. became a public company and acquired Complex Networks last month.

Baesler brings a wealth of operational experience, having overseen the day-to-day operations of Complex Networks and its portfolio of brands since 2018. Prior to that Baesler spent more than a decade at Bauer Media Group, one of the world’s leading media companies. During his tenure he oversaw Bauer’s digital business in the U.K., where the company is the largest magazine publisher and a leading commercial radio operator. Baesler also served as president of Bauer Xcel Media, Bauer’s global digital division, where he built its U.S. operation from scratch. As president and now-CEO of Complex Networks, Baesler has helped the company grow into a content powerhouse spanning digital, video, audio and live events.

“As the first pure digital media company to go public, we are just beginning to tell BuzzFeed’s story to the investment community. I’m thrilled to bring Christian’s strong track record of leadership and results to our whole business and to my leadership team at such a pivotal and exciting time for the company,” said BuzzFeed, Inc. Founder and CEO Jonah Peretti. “I’ve also seen the operational strength, rigor and innovation Christian brought to Complex Networks, and am excited to see BuzzFeed, Inc. thrive and grow under his leadership.”

“Since Complex Networks became a part of BuzzFeed, I've been tremendously impressed by the strength of its diversified revenue model, the talent and expertise of its business leaders, and Jonah's vision for a thriving, successful public digital media company,” said Baesler. “I'm also confident that these changes will help accelerate the integration of Complex Networks into BuzzFeed’s business model, unlocking its potential for growth. Edgar, Ken, Nilla and Richard are true, accomplished professionals, and I can’t wait to hit the ground running together. ”

Baesler will oversee all of BuzzFeed, Inc.’s revenue functions, led by:

• Edgar Hernandez, now CRO of BuzzFeed Inc.
• Ken Blom, now EVP, Business Strategy & Operations for BuzzFeed, Inc.
• Nilla Ali, EVP Commerce for BuzzFeed, Inc.
• Richard Alan Reid, Head of Studio for BuzzFeed, Inc.

Baesler will be based in New York City and report to BuzzFeed, Inc. Founder and CEO Peretti, joining the BuzzFeed, Inc. executive team.