manufacturing services and supply chain solutions, and was in charge of global tax planning, compliance, and reporting. Joe’s preceding positions at Solectron were as Tax Managing Director at KPMG, LLP and Tax Manager at Coopers & Lybrand. Joe received his B.A. in Political Science from Stanford University; and graduated cum laude with his J.D. from University of California, Hastings College of Law in San Francisco, CA. Joe also taught a course in Accounting for Income Taxes at San Jose State University.

KJ- What can you tell me about CNET Networks?

JG- CNET was founded by Halsey Minor and Shelby Bonnie in 1992. Halsey Minor had a passion for computers and Shelby Bonnie had an interest in the media industry. They decided to bring together original online content with a 24 hour cable network about computers and technology and incorporated CNET. The idea of the company was to report on technology trends and products in the internet and technology sphere. Paul Allen of Microsoft was an early investor in the CNET as part of his “wired world” investment strategy in the mid ‘90s.
We’ve grown since those days into an interactive media company – CNET Networks - with multiple brands in multiple categories. I like to remind people that technology is our tool, not our product; our product is information!
As with most media companies, CNET Networks’ principal revenue source is from advertising. CNET Networks brands provide original content, each targeted to a particular passion area. CNET Networks describes its various target audiences as “passionate users;” passionate about consumer technology (CNET), passionate about video games (GameSpot), passionate about developments in the high technology industry (ZDNet), even sites for people who are passionate about food (CHOW), or TV (TV.com). I am particularly excited about our site, BNET. BNET provides practical information about the business world, from process management to managing people to “nuts and bolts” topics like effective use of business software tools. I check out BNET articles often and refer some of them to colleagues. TechRepublic has a similar theme as BNET, but it is focused on the needs of the IT professional. I’d also describe TechRepublic as more focused on technical matters, as opposed to BNET’s emphasis on day-to-day practical business issues.
CNET Networks continues to grow through development of new properties as well as strategic acquisitions that complement our existing sites. We have experienced significant growth in our international business, particularly in China, and expect further domestic and international expansion, both organic and through acquisitions.


KJ- What attracted you to CNET Networks?

JG- One of the things that attracted me to CNET Networks was the atmosphere. There are a lot of young, talented professionals here. Individuals that are focused on creating the best media properties and driven to succeed. However, because they are very casual in dress and attitude, they also created a very inviting and exciting work environment. The company reminded me of the startups from the early days of Silicon Valley.
I was also intrigued by the company’s high visibility among its target audiences. If you mention this company to the technology-savvy they will often say, “I know about CNET and I check it out all of the time!”
Another thing that impressed me was the attitude of senior management. I’m a big believer in “tone at the top” – that the attitudes, values and work ethic of top executives filter down throughout the whole organization. I sensed that CNET Networks’ management team was focused on integrity, candor and a genuine commitment to employee development - no big egos, no overbearing personalities, no hidden agendas.
My experience at CNET Networks to date has been very consistent with my initial impressions. It’s a pleasant place to work. We spend a lot of our waking hours at work – life is too short to suffer an unpleasant work environment.


KJ- You stated that your tax department is a restart tax department. Tell me about the restart.

JG- The original CNET Networks tax department was based in New York, while the finance operation and corporate headquarters had always been in San Francisco. The New York tax department was “acquired” when CNET Networks acquired ZDNet in 2000. ZDNet was based in New York and had a fully staffed tax department, which was retained by CNET Networks after the merger.
A new CFO came on board in late 2005. He wanted to improve communication between the tax department, the finance team, and senior management. As a result, CNET Networks’ tax function was moved to San Francisco to allow for face-to-face communication among these groups. The group in New York elected not to move to San Francisco, so I was hired to “restart” CNET Networks’ San Francisco-based tax department in February 2006. I hired an Analyst last June and added a Director March 2007. We hope to hire two more managers to fill out our short-range resource requirements.


KJ- Are you bringing the tax compliance in-house or will it be outsourced?

JG- When I started with CNET Networks, I outsourced just about everything because I did not have anyone to help me out. We are evolving from the outsource model to in-house compliance. Since the department will be small, we will continue to depend on consultant assistance for some compliance matters (like sales tax and property taxes), as well as for planning projects.


KJ- What is a major tax issue you are dealing with these days?

JG- Transfer pricing is a major issue we must deal with as we look at strategies for intangibles. We are working with a boutique firm right now on these issues.


KJ- What do you look for when hiring someone for your tax department?

JG- Well, certainly I am looking for someone who has the core competencies, expertise and experience that the position requires. And I also look for someone who demonstrates our core company values: innovation, integrity, passion and teamwork. I find that I like candidates that are serious about what they do and not particularly serious about who they are. I like people with good energy, enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity. I also rely very heavily on references, especially references from direct superiors at prior jobs.

KJ- Joseph, thank you for the time you gave us to answer our questions. Your perspective is valuable to the Tax Intelligence Report readers around the world. We genuinely appreciate the time you gave to share your experience.

Kathleen Jennings (KJ)
Editor, The Tax Intelligence Report
Kathleen@etsearch.com.

If you would like an introduction to CNET Networks, Inc. or if you would like to send a private email to Joe, please contact Kathleen Jennings at Kathleen@etsearch.com.