Veteran Industry Exec Jon Berg Passes Away

LOS ANGELES—Jon Berg, a respected digital media executive in adult for over 25 years, passed away on Monday from a rare form of cancer. He was 54. Berg, who was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2016, had been receiving hospice care for a short time at his home in West Hills, Calif. “He had it beat until a couple months ago,” says close friend and fellow online industry veteran, Tony Testa. “He was golfing, traveling, hiking… And he looked good, he looked healthy…And then he started going downhill.” Berg, who was from Howell Township, N.J., built a stellar reputation behind the scenes at several influential companies, becoming well-known for his honesty, reliability, work ethic and vision. He co-founded Matrix Content in the early 90s and later worked as the VP of internet operations at Red Light District and then VP of Marketing for XonDemand. He also launched the Premium Content Store, a licensing company geared toward creators. And he did some head-hunting after stepping away from adult following his diagnosis. Testa first met Berg in 1999, when he was doing audiotext work. They most recently saw each other just two weeks ago. “He was a loyal husband and a loving father,” Testa tells AVN. “He was hard working—an awesome co-worker—and you couldn’t ask for a better friend. He had your back. He was passionate when he believed in a cause and he was a company man. If he worked for your company, he would eat, sleep and breathe that company. You couldn’t ask for a better person to hire.” Veteran adult industry executive Lewis Adams, who is now sales manager at Icon Toys, agreed. “I had the pleasure of working with him for about six months at Red Light District,” Adams tells AVN. “He really knew his business of online content and had a great vision for studio websites.” Berg also was a force in the West Hills community. Family friend McKenzie Edwards launched a GoFundMe for Berg and his family earlier this week. She wrote, “Jon Berg, a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and friend has been bravely battling multiple myeloma for the past eight years. After undergoing BiTE therapy, Jon has recently entered hospice care as his fight continues. “Jon has been a cornerstone of the West Hills community for many years, coaching youth baseball and softball, and becoming a trusted mentor and friend to countless families. Known for his infectious kindness, Jon had a unique ability to bring people together and support those in need. He was always there for others—whether on the field, in the neighborhood, or in times of personal hardship.” Edwards continued, “Jon is one of three members from the community diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and he is the last of the group still fighting. His legacy of selflessness and generosity has left an indelible mark on everyone he met.” Berg is survived by his wife, who was his high school sweetheart, and his son and daughter. To donate to his GoFundMe, click here.