William Bernard Ziff Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Ziff Jr.
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Ziff Jr. in 2002
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| Born |
William Bernard Ziff Jr.
June 24, 1930 |
| Died | September 6, 2006 (aged 76) Pawling, New York, U.S.
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| Education | B.A. Rutgers University |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | CEO of Ziff Davis Inc. |
| Spouse(s) | Barbara Ingrid Beitz (divorced) Tamsen Ann Kojis |
| Children | with Beitz:
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| Parent(s) | William Bernard Ziff Sr. |
William Bernard "Bill" Ziff Jr. (June 24, 1930 – September 9, 2006) was a very important American businessman. He was known for leading a big publishing company called Ziff Davis Inc.. His father, William Bernard Ziff Sr., helped start the company. When his father passed away in 1953, Bill Ziff Jr. took charge. He made Ziff Davis a top publisher of technology magazines in the 1970s and 1980s.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Bill Ziff Jr. was born on June 24, 1930. His father, Bill Ziff Sr., was a Jewish American publisher. Bill Jr. grew up mostly in Miami, Florida. Later, his family moved to Sarasota in 1947.
He was a very smart person. He had a great memory and could learn many different things. In 1951, he graduated from Rutgers University. After that, he studied philosophy in West Germany.
Leading Ziff Davis Inc.
In 1953, Bill Ziff Jr. moved to New York City. He took over Ziff Davis Inc. after his father's death. Four years later, he bought out the company's co-founder, Bernard Davis. Bernard Davis then started his own company.
Bill Ziff Jr. changed Ziff Davis's focus. He started buying magazines for people who loved specific hobbies. He also bought magazines for businesses. Some of these popular magazines included Car and Driver, Popular Electronics, PC Magazine, and Computer Shopper.
Success in Publishing
Bill Ziff Jr.'s new plan was very successful. By focusing on specific topics, his sales team could reach the right advertisers. These advertisers wanted to sell products to certain groups of people. Manufacturers and stores were eager to advertise in his magazines. This was a time when many general magazines were losing advertising money.
Innovating Computer Magazines
In 1984, Bill Ziff Jr. sold most of his consumer and business magazines. He kept only a few computer-related titles, like PC Magazine. These computer magazines were pioneers. They started doing detailed technical tests of computer products. Their reviews could greatly affect whether new computers or other devices became popular.
During the fast growth of personal computers, Ziff Davis became the leading computer publishing company worldwide.
Family Life
In 1963, Bill Ziff Jr. married Barbara Ingrid Beitz. They had three sons: Dirk Edward Ziff (born 1965), Robert D. Ziff (born 1967), and Daniel M. Ziff (born 1973). His sons later became important investors. They were listed among the richest Americans.
Bill Ziff Jr. later married Tamsen Ann Kojis. She was known for her work with the Metropolitan Opera.
Later Years and Passing
Bill Ziff Jr. had a health challenge in 1978. He passed away from this illness on September 9, 2006. He was living in Pawling (village), New York at the time.
