Affiliate network Commission Junction lays off 60

Affiliate network Commission Junction has laid off 60 employees, or 35%, of its 164-member staff. A spokeswoman says the move reflects the company’s efforts to streamline so as to gain profitability faster. The company will close several offices in Europe and Asia. Included in layoffs at the Santa Barbara, CA, headquarters were the vice president of software development and the vice president of product development. The spokeswoman says both positions had been focused on the development of new products and services, and that going forward, the company would be placing greater emphasis on its established core business. Nevertheless, a new feature under development at Commission Junction is expected to debut July 1 as planned. The so-called “Open Marketplace” will publish the performance of Commission Junction network advertisers (affiliates), publishers and ads. The new feature seeks to drive more accountability in online pay-for-performance advertising, Commission Junction CEO Lex Sisney tells Internet Retailer. Individuals in both positions eliminated were involved in the development of the Open Marketplace.