• by Sara Guaglione , March 30, 2018

Christian Baesler, the former president of Bauer Xcel Media, is now the first president of Complex Networks.

In the newly created role, Baesler will report directly to CEO Rich Antoniello and will work to grow Complex Network’s portfolio of brands, which includes Complex, First We Feast, Rated Red, Sole Collector and Pigeons & Planes.

“We’re now poised for our next phase, to be the leading multibrand, multiplatform media company serving youth culture globally. Christian is an exceptional executive with deep knowledge of the digital landscape and an impressive track record for guiding businesses to achieve their fullest potential," Antoniello stated.

He added his ability to deliver results in the increasingly turbulent digital media industry makes Baesler "the perfect executive" for the next iteration of Complex Networks.”

Complex Networks was formed from the acquisition of Complex Media Inc. through a joint venture by Verizon and Hearst in 2016.

Complex stopped printing its magazine last year. to go digital-only and laid off about 10% of its staff to focus on producing more video content.

Baesler will oversee the day-to-day operations of Complex Networks, stating he wants to help “build Complex Networks into the world’s leading force in youth culture.”

Baesler previously oversaw Bauer Xcel Media, the U.K. and U.S. businesses of Bauer Media Group’s global digital division.

He spent nearly a decade at Bauer Media Group and was initially based at its headquarters in Hamburg, Germany. He then relocated to New York to create Bauer Xcel Media, building out the U.S. operation into a team of more than 70 across editorial, technology, marketing.