Wilson Named Executive Chairman, Ward CEO, of TownNews.com
September 02 2016 - 4:30PM
Business Wire
Marc Wilson, chief executive officer of TownNews.com, a
subsidiary of Lee Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:LEE), has been named
executive chairman of the company. Brad Ward, who currently serves
as chief operating officer, will become chief executive officer,
the company announced today. The changes become effective Oct. 1,
2016.
“Under Marc’s leadership and guidance, TownNews.com has grown
from a small, regional publishing technology provider to the leader
in publishing technology across the United States,” said James
Green, vice president-digital for Lee Enterprises. “As the digital
age evolves, Marc’s experience as a journalist has helped
TownNews.com transform news organizations, and we look forward to
his continued leadership as executive chairman.”
Wilson and his wife, Virginia, will remain minority owners of
the company.
Wilson founded the International Newspaper Network, which is now
known as TownNews.com, in 1989 while editor and publisher of the
weekly Bigfork Eagle in Montana. Before buying the Eagle, he was a
reporter for three daily newspapers and worked for five bureaus of
The Associated Press, including duties as assistant chief of bureau
for Texas. Lee Enterprises became the controlling partner in
1996.
“TownNews.com has great products and services, wonderful and
supportive customers and a tremendously dedicated staff,” Wilson
said. “I am delighted to be succeeded as CEO by my great friend,
Brad Ward, who has served many years as our brilliant chief
technology officer. I look forward to working with Brad, the
TownNews.com staff and our great customers. . Lee has been a great
partner, and I’m grateful for its great support for many
years.”
“I am excited and honored to continue Marc Wilson’s vision of
helping media companies thrive in an ever changing digital
landscape,” Ward said. “Marc has been a great mentor and friend.
I’m looking forward to continuing working with him, our great
partners and talented staff.”
Ward, who began his career with TownNews.com in 2000, was
promoted to president and chief operating officer in 2014. He was
director of production and online systems for Lee Enterprises from
1997 to 2000.
“Brad has been an essential partner with Marc in scaling
TownNews.com to the powerhouse it is today,” Green added. “We’re
fortunate to have such a strong successor in our ranks.”
Ward is a former trustee, firefighter and EMT for the Sherrard
Fire Protection District in Sherrard, Illinois. He is also formerly
vice-president of the Sherrard School District board.
ABOUT LEE
Lee Enterprises is a premier provider of local news, information
and advertising in its markets, with 44 daily newspapers and a
joint interest in four others, rapidly growing digital products and
nearly 300 specialty publications in 21 states. Lee markets include
St. Louis, MO; Madison, WI; Billings, MT; Davenport, IA, and
Tucson, AZ. Lee Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol LEE. For more information about Lee,
please visit lee.net.
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Lee EnterprisesCharles Arms, 563-383-2100Director of
CommunicationsIR@lee.net
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