People | WICKS Business Information (WBi)

Douglas J. Manoni, Chief Executive Officer
Since: 1999
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut

Doug Manoni and the Wicks Group of Companies formed WBi and made their first acquisition in July 1999. As Chief Executive Officer, he is involved in all aspects of the Company’s operations, strategic development, and acquisition selection and integration.

A seasoned media veteran, Doug was formerly COO and CFO of Cowles Business Media, Inc. (“CBM”), he became CFO at Primedia Enthusiast Publications, Inc. after CBM was sold to Primedia. During his 10-year tenure, he helped acquire and manage a diverse portfolio comprised of business-to-business, special interest and consumer magazines, conferences and trade shows, newsletters and directories. He had full responsibility for all aspects of the acquisition process, including strategic identification, valuation, negotiation, due diligence, contract development, integration and post acquisition review. He is a former member of the Magazine Publishers of America (MPA) and American Business Press (ABP) Accounting & Finance Committees and the MPA’s Small Magazine Advisory Council.

John Whelan, Vice President, Group Publisher
Since: 2005
Location: New York City

John is responsible for publishing operations and business development of all WBi franchises, and plays a key role in the company’s growth strategy, as well as assisting in WBi’s acquisition strategy.

Before joining Wicks Business Information, John spent ten years at Source (formerly Thomson) Media, most recently as Publishing Director of the Investment Adviser Group, which included a variety of print, online, and custom publishing products. During his 15 year career in publishing, he has served as Director of Electronic Media at Thomson Financial, Publisher of Financial Planning Magazine, and as Law Editor at Oxford University Press (UK).

John is a graduate of Nottingham University and also attended New College, Oxford, England. He currently resides in Manhattan, New York.

Joseph Haddock, Vice President, Technology
Since: 2006
Location: New York City

Joe is responsible for the IT and Web development strategy for all WBi franchises. He will lead the development of WBi’s online growth strategy and will also assist in the execution of WBi’s acquisition strategy. A ten-year new media veteran, Joe most recently worked at Source Media as Director of Web Development, where he managed a team of thirty programmers, designers, and developers, and managed fifty web sites. Prior to that, Joe was Director of Technology at Thomson Financial. Joe is married, with three children, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Jack Liedke, Vice President, Finance
Since: 2006
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut

Jack has responsibility for accounting, financial reporting, planning and analysis for all WBi franchises. He leads the development of WBi’s financial processes and systems as well as assists with implementation of WBi’s acquisition strategy.

Before joining WBi, Jack worked for seven years at Time Incorporated. Most recently, he served as Finance Manager for People en Español. Prior to that role, he served in several financial management capacities at Sports Illustrated, including Senior Ad Pricing Manager, Manager of Strategic Planning and Operations Finance Manager. Jack began his career working for accounting firm in North Haven, CT.

In addition to Jack’s diverse publishing, operations and financial experience, he is a certified public accountant and a graduate of The University of Connecticut with a degree in Accounting and an area of concentration in Finance. He is married, with two children, and lives in Seymour, CT.

Chris Starace, Corporate Controller
Since: 1999
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut

Chris is responsible for day-to-day financials and operational activities of all WBi operating units. He is also an integral component of WBi’s acquisition team, assisting in financial due diligence and integration priorities.

Before joining WICKS Business Information, Chris spent four years at Cowles Business Media, a B-to-B media company, as a member of the finance department. He also spent three years at Louis Feraud, Inc., a retail clothing company, as Assistant Controller. He is a member of the American Business Media’s Strategic Finance & Operations Committee and a graduate of the University of Arizona with degrees in Accounting and Management Information Systems.

Susan Kreeger
Since: 2005
Location: New York City

Susan Kreeger is an integral member of the executive management team at WBi and has managed Human Resources for the company since 2005. Susan is also CEO and co-founder of RealHR Solutions LLC, a full-service human resources outsourcing company.

Immediately prior to co-founding RealHR, Susan was the Director of Human Resources at the Medical and Health Research Association of New York City, one of the largest independent health and human services organizations in New York City. She also held senior level human resources and legal positions at the New York Clearing House Association, a banking association that provides direct deposit and international clearing services for most large U.S and International banking organizations.

Susan maintains a strong commitment to New York City and was selected to participate in the Coro Foundation/New York City Partnership Leadership New York Program as well as the New York City United Way Membership Review Project. She currently lives in New York City with her husband and two children.

Susan holds a B.A. in History from Georgetown University and a J.D. degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington D.C.