Digital First Media, which jointly manages ap and Journal Register Co., announced today the appointments of executives in sales, content and operational positions.
Digital First Media is headquartered in New York City and jointly manages ap, which owns The Denver Post, and Journal Register Co.
“With today’s announcement we are putting into place the very best team to lead both ap and Journal Register Co. in implementing our Digital First strategy,” John Paton, chief executive officer of Digital First Media, said in a statement.
Jerry Grilly, who will continue to serve as president and chief executive officer of The Denver Post, was named an executive vice president with Digital First Media.
Kirk MacDonald, who has served as The Denver Post’s executive vice president of advertising, marketing and digital sales since July 2009, was named Digital First Media’s executive vice president of sales.
Jeff Bairstow was named president of Digital First Media. Bairstow joined Journal Register Co. in 2010 and was, until recently, Journal Register Co. chief financial officer.
In his new role, Bairstow – who was also named President of ap – will oversee daily operations across Journal Register Co. and ap.
“We have a tremendous opportunity to leverage the knowledge of these two companies – both in traditional journalism and digital product development – into a unified leadership team that will drive the necessary digital transformation to power our growth,” said Bairstow.
Ron Mayo was named chief financial officer of Digital First Media. Mayo will retain his duties as chief financial officer of ap in addition to his new role.
Named executive vice presidents of Digital First Media were Steve Rossi, who is responsible for the company’s California operations; and Tom Wiley, who has served as a group publisher for Journal Register Co.
Arturo Duran, who joined Journal Register Co. in 2010 as executive vice president for Digital, was named chief digital officer.
Adam Burnham, who has served as Journal Register Co.’s vice president of local sales, was named senior vice president of local digital sales.
William Higginson, who has worked for Journal Register Co. since its founding and most recently served as president, was named executive vice president of operations.
Jim Brady, who was named Journal Register Co.’s editor-in-chief earlier this year, was named editor-in-chief of Digital First Media. David J. Butler, who has served as vice president of news for ap and editor of the San Jose Mercury News, was named executive editor.
Paton said today’s announcement marks an important first step in the company’s transition to digital delivery of news.
“I am excited about the depth and breadth of talent we have assembled from both companies as we continue to work to serve our communities and growing audience,” Paton said.
Digital First Media reaches 57 million Americans each month through more than 800 multiplatform products in 18 states.
