Gannett announces two key appointments: first-ever chief content officer, chief product officer

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) today announced two key appointments:

• Joanne Lipman, principal of Surrey Lane Media, formerly editor-in-chief of Conde Nast Portfolio and Portfolio.com, and previously deputy managing editor of The Wall Street Journal, has been named chief content officer at Gannett, a new position.
• Daniel Bernard, formerly head of product for Time, Fortune and Money Digital at Time, Inc., and previously chief product officer for The Wall Street Journal Digital Network and general manager for The Wall Street Journal Online, has been named chief product officer at Gannett.

Both Lipman and Bernard will report to Robert J. Dickey, president and CEO of Gannett. “We are extremely pleased that Joanne and Daniel are joining Gannett. They both bring tremendous experience and insight to Gannett. Both are seasoned and accomplished leaders and I know they will be a great cultural fit for us as we pursue new growth opportunities,” Dickey said. “As we continue to push boundaries as a next generation media company, Joanne and Daniel will help us achieve our ambitious plans for the future.”

Joanne Lipman is an award-winning news executive, author and adviser to major media companies, specializing in multi-platform content strategy. Previously, she was founding editor-in-chief of Conde Nast Portfolio magazine and portfolio.com, which won Loeb and National Magazine Awards. Lipman began her career as a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, ultimately rising to deputy managing editor – the first woman to attain that post – and supervising coverage that won three Pulitzer Prizes. While at the Journal, she created Weekend Journal and Personal Journal and oversaw creation of the paper’s Saturday edition. She is co-author of the acclaimed music memoir Strings Attached, and author of an upcoming book about closing the gender gap at work, to be published by William Morrow. Lipman is a winner of the Matrix Award for women in communications. She is a graduate of Yale University.

“Tasked with overseeing all content and content related business development operations at Gannett, Joanne has a deep understanding and track record for bringing smart, growth strategies into the newsroom,” said John Zidich, president of Domestic Publishing. “Her experience as a journalist, coupled with her proven business savvy, make Joanne the ideal person as we continue to unite all of our newsrooms into the largest local to national media organization in the country.”

Bernard is an accomplished digital industry leader, strategist, product visionary and innovator. As the head of product for Time Inc.’s Time, Fortune and Money Digital, Bernard directed product development, user experience and design. As the first chief product officer for The Wall Street Journal Digital Network, he drove product innovation across all digital products and platforms, including WSJ.com, MarketWatch.com, Smartmoney.com, and Barrons.com. Earlier in his career, he introduced cutting-edge ad units and custom solutions to win new business as vice president of marketing for Dow Jones Online/WSJDN. He also previously served as vice president/global head of advertising development & product design for Reuters; and as director of marketing and advertising development for CBS MarketWatch, in addition to earlier working in advertising communications and research and marketing.

“As a pioneer in the digital media industry, Daniel brings the vision and innovation necessary to continue our transformation as we adopt ever evolving technologies that drive results,” said Maribel Wadsworth, chief strategy officer. “With focus on sustaining and creating products that generate growth and value for our organization, Daniel will spearhead the path to a progressive future ahead.”

About Gannett

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a next-generation media company committed to strengthening communities across our network. Through trusted, compelling content and unmatched local-to-national reach, Gannett touches the lives of more than 100 million people monthly. With more than 110 markets internationally, it is known for Pulitzer Prize-winning newsrooms, powerhouse brands such as USA TODAY and specialized media properties. To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.

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