This is one session I wish I had been able to attend last week at iDate. People Media VP Ron Worthy told the story of how the leading niche dating brand went from startup to Match.com acquisition in a few short years. People Media operates 27 individual web properties, reaching nearly 4 million unique users per month. Its portfolio includes six of the Top 50-ranked personal websites.
Worthy was the senior product manager with Community Connect, Inc. (now Interactive One, a unit of Radio One) where he launched several targeted dating sites including the dating vertical for BlackPlanet.com. In 2007, Worthy joined People Media to guide the relaunch of People Media’s portfolio of targeted personals sites including BlackPeopleMeet.com — resulting in 30% annual revenue growth for the site. In his current role, Worthy oversees marketing programs, strategic alliances, and community outreach