Jupiter Media Metrix lays off 30% of staff and starts other cost reductions

Researchers Jupiter Media Metrix is reducing its staff by 30% and adopting other measures that it says will reduce expenses by $40 million a year. The company says the changes are designed to lead the company to profitability. However, a source says Jupiter is preparing itself for sale.

The company also announced management changes, including the promotion of Kurt Abrahamson from group president of the company`s U.S. business to president of Jupiter Research, which includes the company`s conference business. Will Hodgman, who had been president of the company`s AdRelevance division, has been appointed president of the Measurement group, which consolidates Media Metrix, AdRelevance, and Site Measurement product lines. The company also announced it will start a search for a senior executive who will report to CEO Robert Becker and oversee the company`s sales and marketing activities.

Jupiter said it will discuss its restructuring during its third quarter earnings conference call and web cast Nov. 6.