Janet L. Robinson, president and chief executive officer of The New York Times Co. since 2004, is retiring effective Dec. 31. She also will give up her seat as a direction, although she will receive $4.5 million to serve as a consultant for a year.
Arthur Sulzberger Jr., currently chairman of the company and publisher of The New York Times, will assume the chief executive officer position on an interim basis.
The New York Times Co. includes The New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, The Boston Globe, 15 other daily newspapers and more than 50 websites, including NYTimes.com, BostonGlobe.com, Boston.com and About.com.
The company released three statements related to the abrupt announcement.
Arthur Sulzberger Jr. – “On behalf of the Board and the entire New York Times Company I want to thank Janet for her significant contributions during her career, especially during the challenging years we most recently faced. Among her accomplishments, she has led our continuing transition to a multi-platform company and directed steps that resulted in an improved liquidity position and significant cost reductions. This was achieved during an uneven economic recovery and challenging advertising environment.”
Janet L. Robinson – “The New York Times Company has been my home for 28 years and I leave with mixed emotions. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with so many outstanding people over the years, and I am particularly proud of my role in helping to navigate through one of the most difficult periods in publishing history as we transitioned from traditional print journalism to the digital world. At the same time, the Company’s course is set and I am excited by new opportunities that await me.”
Ellen R. Marram, presiding director of The New York Times Co.’s Board of Directors – “The entire Board is extremely appreciative of Janet’s significant accomplishments during her tenure as CEO. As we turn to the future, we are fortunate in the strength of our management team under the leadership of Arthur Sulzberger Jr. While we initiate the search and assess the characteristics for The New York Times Company’s next CEO, the Company will continue to execute on the strategy to transform our business via a combination of prudent fiscal management, a strong focus on ongoing digital initiatives and pursuit of new growth opportunities.”
Related links:
Reuters – NY Times CEO exits, without explanation
AdAge – New York Times Co. CEO Janet Robinson Leaving at Month’s End
Atlantic Wire – The CEO of The New York Times Company Just Abruptly Retired
Wall Street Journal – New York Times CEO Steps Down
NYTimes’ Media Decoder – Janet Robinson, Chief Executive of Times Co., to Step Down
