AFI BLOG: Media and Technology

Koones stepping down from Variety post

In a surprise move, Charlie Koones will step down as president and publisher at Reed Elsevier-owned industry trade paper Variety on March 1.

He will be replaced by Neil Stiles, managing director of the Reed Business Information unit in the U.K. since April 2001. Koones also will leave to Stiles the job of head of the entertainment division of Variety parent Reed Business Information.

After 17 years at the paper, Koones will “pursue ventures in media and entertainment,” the trade said Wednesday on its site.