UNEXT Announces Appointment of Senior Vice President of Business Development

UNEXT Announces Appointment of Senior Vice President of Business Development

DEERFIELD, Ill., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- In a move designed to broaden and elevate strategic partnerships and branding initiatives, UNEXT, a global leader in online education, today announced the appointment of Bruce M. Goldstein, a proven tactician in business development and strategic planning, to the new position of Senior Vice President of Business Development, reporting to Cathleen Raffaeli, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Goldstein brings more than 25 years expertise to advance UNext's sector leadership and promote accelerated growth through market positioning, alternative customer acquisition partnerships, cross channel initiatives, and strategic broadening of current product offerings.

Goldstein joins UNext from Synthetica Holdings LLC, a management buyout firm that effects strategic acquisitions and mergers of companies in the media, technology and telecommunications industries, where he was Managing Director with responsibility for identifying and negotiating key strategic acquisitions with media and entertainment investors. His background includes top executive roles with a number of high profile companies in commerce, media and entertainment. Prior to Synthetica Holdings, Goldstein was Executive Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Planning for Styleclick, a USA Networks company focusing on new media, web services, integrated marketing and content convergence.

"Today's appointment demonstrates UNext's commitment to pursue and adopt initiatives to grow the business faster," said Raffaeli. "We are excited about having such a highly accomplished senior executive lead our efforts in the areas of marketing alliances, business acquisitions and strategic market planning. Bruce has extensive business development experience that he has successfully leveraged to manage and reposition an impressive array of commerce and media companies, as well as to meet the challenges of Fortune 500 companies. He brings tremendous value to the company and to its executive management team."

"Online education is as big a growth area as I have seen. UNext, with its best of breed platform and course development, is a company with winning components unique in the marketplace. I am excited to work with a highly motivated management team led by Cathi Raffaeli. Rarely have I seen a company so poised for dramatic growth," said Goldstein.

Mr. Goldstein also served as Executive Vice President for Business Development and Marketing in USA Network's Internet Shopping Network; President and CEO of Universal Management, a consulting firm to brands and celebrities for QVC and HSN; and Senior Vice President of Worldwide Licensing and Marketing for MY-CD.com, an early adopter of music online, and a division of Bandai America. He was also founder and CEO of Worldwide Thai, Ltd., a gourmet foods and housewares company formed with equity partner Marvin Traub, former Chairman of Bloomingdale's.

UNext, a privately held corporation headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, develops and delivers innovative online education using advances in cognitive science and technology. In 2003, UNext partnered with New York Institute of Technology to create Ellis College, an unprecedented offering of undergraduate and graduate online degree programs to adult students supported by high-touch student services. UNext founded Cardean University in 2000 to bring graduate business and management education to learners worldwide. It continues to receive international accolades and industry awards for its online courses and programs.

Web site: http://www.unext.com/ /


Source: UNEXT

CONTACT: Patricia Tobin of UNext, +1-847-282-2424

Web site: http://www.unext.com/


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