Veria Appoints Michael Pepe President of Media Networks

Veria Appoints Michael Pepe President of Media Networks

Former President and CEO of Time Inc. International to Lead Veria TV and Veria.com

ARLINGTON, Texas, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Veria (pronounced ver-ee-ah) -- a growing natural health and wellness company dedicated to bringing natural wellness to the mainstream through its television network, local wellness centers, and lifestyle-focused website -- today announced that Michael Pepe has been named president of media networks. Pepe will oversee Veria's linear HD television network and its companion website -- Veria.com.

"Michael Pepe's extensive leadership experience in both the traditional and digital media industries will be extremely helpful as we look to expand carriage of Veria TV and drive consumers to Veria.com," said David Humphrey, president of Veria. "We're seeing a tremendous increase in consumer demand for credible health and wellness information, and Veria TV is well positioned to meet that need with its high-quality, original programming that is dedicated to helping people embrace and enjoy a natural lifestyle."

Prior to joining Veria, Pepe was a private investor and entrepreneur. He spent 20 years in the media and information services industries and held senior leadership positions with Time Warner and Dun & Bradstreet. During his tenure with Time Warner, Pepe served as president and CEO of Time Inc. International; president of Time Warner Digital Media; and president of the company's business information group, which publishes Fortune and Money magazines.

While at Dun & Bradstreet, Pepe led the U.S. sales efforts for the global business information and technology solutions provider. His background also includes brand management positions at Procter & Gamble and corporate finance at Morgan Stanley.

Pepe received a bachelor's degree from the University of Delaware, where he graduated magna cum laude. He also received an MBA from the Harvard Business School in Boston.

Launched in October 2007, Veria TV features programming that covers a wide variety of natural health and wellness topics in the categories of food and nutrition, travel, exercise, alternative medicine and holistic health. In addition to its original programming, Veria TV also features a wide selection of classic comedies designed to lift the spirits and bring joy to those who watch. Veria TV is currently available on Channel 9575 on the DISH Network(TM).

About Veria

Veria is the primary consumer brand of Natural Wellness USA, Inc. (NWUSA), a member of the Essel Group of companies. Based in Arlington, Texas, Veria combines three major wellness businesses. Veria TV is a new high-definition television network of original natural wellness lifestyle programming, available on Channel 9575 on DISH Network(TM). Veria Wellness Centers offer wellness spa services, yoga and other classes, and a wide range of natural products including NWUSA's exclusive Veria and Chandra brands. Some Wellness Centers also feature a Natural Foods Cafe. Veria.com is both a leading source of information on the natural wellness lifestyle and a major online shopping destination for natural products.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Veria

CONTACT: Valerie McCaskill, +1-214-665-1342,
valerie.mccaskill@fleishman.com, for Veria

Web site:

http://www.veria.com/

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