Cam Bishop has stepped out of his role as CEO at Ascend Media. Vicki Masseria, former CMPMedica group president, is taking over as CEO. The executive shuffle comes after a dramatic effort to restructure the company [0] in the face of a difficult healthcare market.

The announcement was made via an internal memo [0] by Ascend vice president of human resources Roger Dusing this morning.

“The company continues to refine its focus in the healthcare sector,” Dusing wrote in the memo. “This, coupled with the increasing complexity of healthcare markets and government regulation, has defined the need for a seasoned healthcare industry media professional.”

Masseria most recently served as Group President of CMPMedica USA, where she completed five acquisitions and integrations since 1990, according to the memo. Masseria will be visiting each of Ascend's offices during the next two weeks, starting with Overland Park on Monday, December 10.

Bishop will continue as Chairman of the company during the transition period. Calls to Bishop were not immediately returned.