James M. Asher

James M. Asher is a senior vice president and the chief development officer of Hearst. He joined Hearst in October 1997 and served as chief legal officer of Hearst for over 20 years. He is a member of the board of directors of Hearst, Fitch Group and CAMP Systems and is a testamentary trustee under the will of William Randolph Hearst.

As chief development officer, he is engaged with Hearst’s senior operating teams in new ventures, acquisitions and internal business development efforts. He is also co-chair of the Hearst Ventures investment committee.

Asher joined Rogers & Wells, an international law firm, in 1974 after graduating from New York University School of Law with a juris doctor degree. He was named a partner of the law firm in 1981, was appointed the firm’s managing partner in 1990 and became chairman of the executive committee in 1994.