<div><p>Ian Smith has resigned as chief executive of Reed Elsevier PLC by mutual agreement after just eight months in the job, the publishing and information company announced Wednesday.</p><p>Erik Engstrom, chief executive of Elsevier, the company's global scientific and medical publishing division, will replace Smith, the company said.</p><p>Reed Elsevier shares were down 4.6 percent on the London Stock Exchange.</p><p>"Ian has had the difficult task of leading Reed Elsevier during unprecedentedly turbulent economic times. The boards and I would like to thank him for his contribution in this respect and wish him well for the future," said Chairman Anthony Habgood.</p><p>In a trading update, Reed Elsevier said its major professional markets "are proving more resilient than most but not immune from late cycle pressure," with advertising and promotional markets under particular pressure.</p><p>The company did not release any financial figures.</p><p>___</p><p>On the Net: http://www.reed-elsevier.com</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=63109171&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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