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Technology and platform veteran to lead the systems, data, and marketing engine behind the largest independent media platform serving North America's building materials and construction industry
526 Media Group, the leading independent B2B media company serving the lumber, building materials, and construction industry, today announced the appointment of Joel Walters as Vice President of Operations. Walters will lead the company's technology, digital platforms, data operations, and marketing as 526 Media Group builds an integrated media and data platform serving the entire building materials and construction supply chain.
Walters is a 26-year veteran of the Hanley Wood media brands, most recently serving as Director of Product Development. After 526 Media Group acquired ARCHITECT, Journal of Light Construction, and a portfolio of Hanley Wood titles from Zonda in August, Walters led the transfer and integration of the acquired portfolio's systems and services. He also moved 526 Media Group's existing business onto the same unified platform, all while the business continued to operate.
The appointment follows the promotion of David Koenig to Vice President, Editorial, in August, and continues the build-out of 526 Media Group's executive leadership team as the company grows.
"When we acquired these brands, we knew the most important work would be the work most people never see," said Patrick Adams, CEO of 526 Media Group. "Joel moved an entire portfolio of iconic brands onto our platform, brought our existing business along with it, and kept the company running the whole way. He has already been running operations for 526. This makes it official, and it puts one of the most capable technology leaders in our industry in charge of the platform that will power everything we build next."
As Vice President of Operations, Walters oversees:
- Technology and digital platforms: websites, newsletters, and audience systems across every 526 Media Group brand
- Red Book Lumber Data: the platform and data operations, including the development of Lumber Pricing Intelligence, Red Book’s new lumber transaction-price reporting module
- Marketing and audience development: brand, social media, newsletters, website content, and audience growth
- Client operations: order management, ad operations, and campaign delivery for advertising partners
Walters also continues to lead the annual Cost vs. Value report, one of the most widely cited resources in residential remodeling.
"These brands have been my professional home for more than 25 years, and I have never been more excited about where they are headed,"aid Walters. "526 Media Group is investing in technology, data, and audience in a way that will set a new standard for media in our industry. I'm grateful to Patrick for the opportunity and proud to lead the team that will make it happen."
Walters and the 526 Media Group team will be at NAWLA Traders Market, November 4-6 in Anaheim, California. There, Red Book Lumber Data is introducing Lumber Pricing Intelligence and inviting lumber and building materials companies to become founding pricing contributors.
About 526 Media Group
526 Media Group is an independent B2B media company headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, serving the lumber, building materials, and construction industry. Its portfolio includes ARCHITECT, Journal of Light Construction, Building Products Digest, The Merchant Magazine, Deck Specialist, Surface & Panel, Red Book Lumber Data, the Brand Visibility Power Ranking, and the additional titles formerly comprising Zonda's Hanley Wood media portfolio. The company reaches industry professionals through print, digital, newsletter, event, video, and data platforms.
