Denise E. Palmer, The Baltimore Sun?s president, publisher and chief executive officer, will step down July 28 after four years at the helm, the newspaper announced Monday.
Palmer, 49, will take over leadership at The Tampa Tribune, a Media General Inc. newspaper, as president and publisher. She replaces Gil Thelen, who announced in March that he would retire this summer.
“I wish Denise nothing butthe best in her new position as publisher of The Tampa Tribune,” said Tim Franklin, The Sun?s editor in a statement. “With her background in both broadcasting and publishing, she is uniquely qualified to lead a newspaper that is regarded as a national leader in multimedia convergence.
Bob Gremillion, vice president of Tribune Publishing Co., The Sun?s parent company, will serve as acting publisher and CEO until he names Palmer?s successor.
During Palmer?s tenure with the Sun, the paper completed a redesign last year and earned a Pulitzer Prize in 2003.
“We?ve had a strong working relationship these past 2 1/2 years,” Franklin continued. “She has guided the newspaper through a tumultuous period in the industry with integrity and passion.”
Scott Smith, Tribune Publishing?s president added in a statement, “We are grateful for Denise?s four years of leadership at The Sun, and her many contributions throughout her career with Tribune.”
The Tribune Co. purchased the Sun in 2000. The Chicago-based company owns several other large newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune, the Los Angeles Times and Newsday.
Prior to her arrival in Baltimore, Palmer was president and CEO of the Tribune Co.?s ChicagoLand Television.
She joined the company in 1980 as a corporate auditor and through the years served in a number of planning and financial management roles for the parent company as well the Chicago Tribune and WGN Radio.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
