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Organizational Changes at Star Tribune Launch Next Chapter of Growth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Organizational Changes at Star Tribune Launch Next Chapter of Growth
MINNEAPOLIS – Aug. 15, 2023 – Star Tribune Media Co., the Upper Midwest’s largest news organization, today announced an organizational restructuring that will help drive the company forward into a new era of growth.
The moves, including the creation and reinvention of key departments, were unveiled by CEO and Publisher Steve Grove, who also announced personnel changes in the Star Tribune’s leadership team.
“Our vision is to create the leading model for local news in America – driving innovation in media to make every Minnesotan’s life better,” said Grove. “I’m excited to work alongside my talented colleagues to align our organization to better deliver great journalism for Minnesota far into the future.”
The organizational changes:
Strengthening the product team
To more effectively deliver award-winning journalism to a growing digital audience, the company will expand its product team and invest more deeply in its digital strategy and vision. A search for a new Chief Product Officer to lead these efforts is underway.
Accelerating consumer growth
To double down on providing great value to our subscribers and building a greater customer base across Minnesota, the company will expand its efforts to grow digital subscriptions while maintaining a strong core of print customers. The position of SVP of Consumer Growth has been created to lead those consumer revenue efforts.
Investing in deeper community engagement
A position is being created to ensure the company listens to and reflects the communities it serves: Head of Culture and Community. Kyndell Harkness, a 22-year veteran of the newsroom and currently the Assistant Managing Editor of Diversity and Community, will fill that role, leading DEI and culture efforts across the company and expanding community outreach across the state.
Elevating our communications and marketing efforts
With a legacy of more than 150 years in Minnesota, the Star Tribune is a brand many Minnesotans know. But, Grove said, “We’re eager to reinvest in our brand in a modern era and share our value proposition more robustly.” To lead that growth and to accelerate our proactive communications efforts, we’re hiring a new VP of Communications and Brand Marketing.
Creating a center of excellence around print
While the Star Tribune works to accelerate its digital transformation, it remains committed to producing an excellent print newspaper for many of its most loyal customers. The company is combining its print distribution and production teams into one division that will partner with the newsroom to create a center of excellence focused on print. David Diegnau, the SVP of Operations and IT, will take on distribution responsibilities as part of this shift.
Promoting Paul Kasbohm to Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer
As the company continues to grow its advertising efforts and explore new revenue opportunities, Paul Kasbohm, a 25-year Star Tribune veteran and current SVP and Chief Revenue Officer, will take on an expanded role as Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. His leadership scope will include the work of print production, and David Diegnau’s expanded team will report to him. This better positions the company to deliver for advertisers in a fast-changing environment and taps into Kasbohm’s significant industry knowledge to better develop revenue opportunities for our partners and the Star Tribune.
A new effort for planning and innovation
As teams across the company take a refreshed look at how we can better deliver for the future, a new Director of Planning & Innovation, Amy Schrempp, will empower those efforts. An expert in human-centered design and innovation, Amy was most recently the Director of Customer Innovation at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. She will start on Aug. 28.
Hiring a new Chief Financial Officer
Chuck Brown, a 25-year veteran of the Star Tribune who has served most recently as its CFO, is announcing his retirement.
“Chuck has served with distinction as the Star Tribune’s finance chief, guiding the company through uncertain markets with great poise and creativity,” said Grove.
Brown will stay on until a new CFO is hired.
Departures of two senior executives
Accompanying these changes are the departures of two other company leaders. Chief Digital Officer Jim Bernard, who has been a key leader for the company for the past 12 years, will leave at the end of the month.
“The architect for an award-winning set of digital products that has positioned the Star Tribune well for continued success, Jim has been a thoughtful and dedicated executive whose legacy at the Star Tribune is significant. His impact has been extraordinary, and his leadership will be missed,” Grove said.
Chief Marketing Officer and SVP of Circulation Steve Yaeger, a key leader at the company for 12 years, will also leave at the end of the month.
“Steve has built a strong subscriptions effort and hired a great team over the years to help the Star Tribune reach new audiences. His purview has included everything from print distribution to marketing development, and his impact in positioning the Star Tribune for a strong future has been remarkable,” Grove said.
For media inquiries and further information, please contact Michelle Mueller at 612-673-4076 or michelle.mueller@startribune.com.
About Star Tribune Media Company
The Star Tribune Media Company LLC is a locally owned, award-winning media business serving Minnesota and the upper Midwest. With audience numbers consistently in the top five in the country among regional and national peers, Star Tribune reaches more consumers than any other Minnesota media brand. For more information, visit www.startribunecompany.com.
The Star Tribune Media Company