After reorganizing its titles into various brand groups throughout the year, Hachette Filipacchi has appointed a new CEO of its automotive group.

Starting on January 1, Dillion McDonald, the current COO of the Jumpstart Automotive Group, will take on the responsibilities of CEO, replacing Steve Wilhite, who will stay on as an advisor and member of the Board of Directors.

McDonald has worked for Jumpstart since 2001, and served in various roles in sales, operations and marketing before being named COO.

Hachette restructured its automotive group earlier this year, combining Car and Driver and Road & Track under the same umbrella as the Jumpstart online network purchased by the company in spring 2007.

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Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. Appoints Dillon McDonald CEO of Jumpstart Automotive Group

McDonald to Take Helm of HFM U.S.'s Automotive Group in January 2010

New York, N.Y., November 5, 2009 Alain Lemarchand, President & CEO, Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. (HFM U.S.) today announced that Dillon McDonald has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Jumpstart Automotive Group, the recently announced combination of HFM U.S.'s automotive media assets. Previously the company's Chief Operating Officer, McDonald will assume CEO responsibilities for Jumpstart as of January 1, 2010, replacing current CEO and automotive industry veteran Steve Wilhite, who will remain as an advisor and on the Board of Directors.

"As we focus on brand-centric approaches around key categories, the ongoing growth and momentum of Jumpstart Automotive Group is a top priority for HFM U.S.," said Lemarchand. "We're thrilled to see Dillon McDonald take the helm of the pioneering Jumpstart organization, where he will put his experience to work in defining 360-degree marketing solutions that drive success for both automotive publishers and advertisers alike."

As CEO of Jumpstart, McDonald will be responsible for creating the leading integrated marketing solutions company for the automotive industry. Jumpstart has amassed the largest reach and the best brands in the industry through partnerships with premier in-market automotive publishing partners Consumer Guide Automotive, Vehix, JD Power Autos, Shopping.com, CarSoup.com, HybridCars, CarGurus, TrueCar, US News Rankings and Reviews, and the wholly owned brands of Road & Track and Car and Driver.

Joining Jumpstart in 2001, McDonald was one of Jumpstart's first employees and a pioneer in bridging the divide between the automotive industry and the Internet. Before becoming COO, McDonald served in various positions at Jumpstart, responsible for sales, operations, and marketing. Prior to joining Jumpstart, McDonald focused on selling cars both from a retail seat and at several vendors serving automotive dealers.

"Jumpstart is a thought leader in the automotive marketing industry, and we will continue to help our advertisers reach a car-buying audience through media, creative, and insights into their buyers," said McDonald. "I'm proud of our team and excited to see how we can help sell cars by improving the conversation between automotive marketers and our car shopping audience as well as our influential group of auto enthusiasts."