Deseret Management Corporation Names Jeff Simpson President and CEO of Bonneville International

SALT LAKE CITY, May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Deseret Management Corporation (DMC), a for-profit arm of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, today announced the promotion of Jeff Simpson to President and CEO of Bonneville International. Simpson will continue to serve as COO of KSL Broadcasting. In this expanded role, he will oversee Bonneville's radio stations in Los Angeles, Seattle and Phoenix, as well as operations in Salt Lake City. Simpson has been with Deseret Media Companies since 2004.

"Jeff brings a unique combination of skills and media experience that will greatly benefit Bonneville in this assignment," said Mark Willes, President and CEO of DMC. "I am confident that under his guidance, Bonneville will continue to be a leading voice in radio, and we anticipate with enthusiasm his achievements with these media properties."

In January, Bonneville International entered into an agreement with Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. to sell 17 of its stations in Washington, D.C., Chicago, St. Louis and Cincinnati. The $505 million sale closed on April 31. Bonneville retained its stations in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle and Salt Lake City with all staff remaining intact. Simpson succeeds Bruce Reese, who joined Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. as part of the sale agreement.

This change reflects Bonneville's strategic focus on building strong regional components around its digital and broadcast marketplaces. The websites of its media properties reach more than 7 million combined unique users, with more than 250 million combined page views each month, touching visitors and listeners in eight western states.

"With Jeff's diverse background across multiple media platforms and his ability to foster growth within organizations, he is an ideal fit to lead Bonneville," said Carl Gardner, Vice President and Market Manager for Bonneville's Seattle Radio Group. "It is critical that we have people at our helm who understand what enables us to succeed in today's integrated media environment. Jeff is an invaluable leader and we welcome him to this position."

"I am humbled and grateful for this new opportunity," said Simpson. "Bonneville's ongoing success reflects not only the capabilities of my predecessors but the strength and insight of our in-market leadership. I look forward to continuing Bonneville's legacy as we serve our listeners across multiple markets."

Bonneville International is a legacy broadcaster dedicated to informing, entertaining and uplifting its audiences. For more information about Bonneville International, please visit www.bonneville.com. For more information about Deseret Management Corporation, visit www.deseretmanagement.com.

About Deseret Management Corporation

Deseret Management Corporation was organized in 1966 to manage some of the commercial companies affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Today, it owns and oversees hospitality and media companies, including the Deseret News, Deseret Digital Media, KSL Television & Radio and Bonneville International.

SOURCE Deseret Management Corporation