Larry Kramer, the publisher of USA Today, is leaving the newspaper, according to a staff memo from Robert Dickey, president of Gannett U.S. Community Publishing. According to the memo, Kramer will join the board of Gannett’s new publishing company, which is due to be spun off from the parent company on June 29.
Kramer was named president and publisher of USA Today in 2012. He will follow several top editors of the newspaper out the door.
Kramer’s impending departure was announced to employees at the outlet’s Tysons Corner newsroom this morning, with journalists from other bureaus calling in.
Dickey, the soon-to-be CEO of Gannett’s publishing company, described Kramer as an “online pioneer” who helped bolster the website’s pageviews and unique visitors.
Kramer will be joined on Gannett’s board of directors by Harvard Business School lecturer Henry McGee, former Mars Inc. executive Debra A. Sandler and former Twitter executive Chloe R. Sladden, according to a release from Gannett.
Here’s Dickey’s memo:
I want to share with you all that Larry Kramer will be joining the board of the new Gannett and will be stepping down as president and publisher — effective at the time of the corporate split.
As most of you know, Larry passionately took on the challenge of making USA TODAY a digital first news organization in May of 2012. During his three years at the helm, he has helped USA TODAY and its related brands reimagine the iconic “newspaper.” This 40-year veteran newsman and online pioneer came out of retirement to help us forge a path in a rapidly changing landscape — while keeping a keen focus on quality journalism. His personality, personal brand and joy for the industry have given us numerous contributions.
Over the last three years, our USA TODAY newsroom has proudly earned numerous journalism and product awards. During his tenure our mobile page views are up 50% and visitors are up 150%. Larry helped implement our USA TODAY Local print edition that has brought USA TODAY content to 35 Gannett local markets, as well as a growing number of non-Gannett markets, more than doubling our print circulation.
Before arriving at USA TODAY, Larry was president of CBS Digital Media. Prior to that, he founded and led MarketWatch for 12 years before selling it to Dow Jones in 2005. His journalistic roots come from his more than 20 years as a reporter and editor.
We will be conducting an extensive search for our Chief Content Officer role.
And, we will soon share details for a reception honoring Larry’s role with USA TODAY. Meanwhile, please join me in thanking him for his service and welcoming him to his new role on our board.
Bob
