Veteran Marketer Steve Sturm joins Advanstar Communications as Chief Marketing Officer

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanstar Communications, Inc., a leading worldwide media company providing integrated marketing solutions for the Fashion, Life Sciences and Powersports industries, today announced that it has appointed Steve Sturm to fill its newly created Chief Marketing Officer position.

For the past several years, Advanstar has embarked upon an aggressive strategy to emphasize the market-leading positions of its brands including MAGIC, Licensing International, Dealer Expo, and the International Motorcycle Tour events.  Sturm's principal focus as CMO will be to identify new opportunities to expand our brand presence and improve value for our customers.

"Steve brings with him more than thirty years of experience that make him a tremendous resource for us. His extensive marketing and strategic planning background will help us better serve our customers by expanding their presence in their markets," said Chief Executive Officer, Joe Loggia.

Sturm previously served as group vice president of Americas Strategic Research and Planning and Corporate Communications for Toyota Motor North America, Inc. He was responsible for all aspects of corporate strategy and planning, strategic research, corporate advertising and marketing communications, as well as media and investor relations. He held a number of positions at Toyota, including corporate marketing manager for the Lexus Division. Sturm was instrumental in the launch and positioning of the Lexus brand. Before joining Toyota in 1981, Sturm was a marketing manager for Hunt-Wesson foods and a product manager for Standard Brands. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in economics from City University of New York, N.Y., and a master's degree in business administration from New York University.

About Advanstar

Advanstar Communications Inc. (www.advanstar.com) is a leading worldwide media company providing integrated marketing solutions for the Fashion, Life Sciences and Powersports industries. Advanstar serves business professionals and consumers in these industries with its portfolio of 141 events, 60 publications and directories, 233 electronic products and Web sites, as well as educational and direct marketing products and services. Market leading brands and a commitment to delivering innovative, quality products and services enables Advanstar to "Connect Our Customers With Theirs." Advanstar has approximately 750 employees and currently operates from multiple offices in North America and Europe.

SOURCE Advanstar Communications, Inc.