Patrick McGovern Founder and Chairman of the International Data Group (IDG) Country: USA

1. Biography of Patrick McGovern
2. Early Career and Education
3. Foundation of International Data Group
4. Global Expansion and Recognition
5. Philosophy and Achievements
6. Other Involvements

Biography of Patrick McGovern

Patrick McGovern, the founder and chairman of International Data Group (IDG), is a leading figure in the publishing industry. With annual revenues of over three billion dollars, IDG is a global organization that specializes in publishing and has more than 300 magazines and newspapers in nearly 90 countries worldwide. Some of its well-known publications include Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld, and Macworld.

Early Career and Education

Patrick's career started while he was still a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He began working in editorial roles for the first American computer magazine, Computers and Automation. By the time he graduated with a degree in biophysics, Patrick was already a junior editor at the publication.

Foundation of International Data Group

In 1964, Patrick McGovern founded International Data Group (then known by a different name) and later launched the weekly newspaper Computerworld, which focused on the ongoing computerization of society. Today, IDG is a major player in the publishing industry with more than 300 magazines and newspapers published in almost 90 countries.

Global Expansion and Recognition

Under Patrick's leadership, IDG expanded its reach globally. The company now has more than 40 Chinese publications, and its over 900 analysts at IDC study market trends in various countries, devising plans for further expansion. Patrick's foresight and confidence in his own assumptions about the future of technology earned him the recognition as a visionary within the industry.

Philosophy and Achievements

One of the key principles of IDG is the belief in thinking globally, which has been instrumental in the company's growth. Patrick McGovern's accomplishments and contributions to the publishing and entrepreneurial fields have earned him numerous prestigious awards and honors.

Other Involvements

Besides his publishing endeavors, Patrick is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research. Patrick's multi-faceted involvement has garnered widespread recognition, with the media often highlighting him as one of the wealthiest and most influential individuals on the planet.