Eden Bidco names ex-Informa head as chief executive

Eden Bidco, the group formed by Guardian Media Group and Apax to acquire the business division of EMAP, has appointed Informa chief executive David Gilbertson (left) to the same role. He will take over the role on March 20.

His move into the role of chief executive of EMAP Communications will lead to the departure of Derek Carter, the chief executive of EMAP’s business-to-business arm. It is thought that Informa is seeking a new chief executive.

The B2B and events division of EMAP was sold to GMG and private equity firm Apax Partners for £1bn, just weeks after EMAP announced it had sold its consumer radio and magazine businesses to German group H Bauer.

Prior to Informa, Gilbertson previously held senior positions with Reuters, Reed Elsevier and LLP Group.

The finalisation of the EMAP acquisition is expected to go ahead on March 20, when Gilbertson’s appointment will be made effective.

Gilbertson says: “EMAP already has market-leading brands and positions in major business sectors and I believe these will produce a strong platform for growth both organically and through acquisitions over the next few years.”