In a memo to U-T San Diego staff, President Mike Hodges announced that he would be taking over day-to-day operations in place of CEO John Lynch, who would be managing new mergers. Lynch followed with a memo implying it may only be temporary.
Hodges’ also announced there would be other management changes after the paper failed to hit financial goals.
I obtained the text of both memos. Here’s Hodges’:
Throughout 2014, we plan to continue to expand our media portfolio in San Diego and beyond. Beginning today, Papa Doug has assigned our Vice Chairman and CEO, John Lynch, to focus on our M&A work and bringing these deals to fruition.Papa Doug has assigned me to run our day to day operations.
Starting today, all divisions within U-T San Diego will report up through me.While we had a strong year in a number of areas, we did not meet our financial goals in 2013. Accordingly, there will be a restructure in our senior management team.
Details will be forthcoming.
And here’s Lynch’s follow-up:
All,
I want to assure all that our UT is in good hands and absolutely going in the correct direction.
While I am working on a very significant acquisition, Mike Hodges, who I initially named as UT President, will steer the ship.
Hopefully, these acquisitions will end in success, with the time horizon very imminent.
I ask all to keep our forward momentum as we continue to create an outstanding Multi-media company.
I am proud of the great UT, proud of our digital efforts and our video efforts. Most importantly, we continue to offer world class journalism.
Thanks for your great commitment to the UT.
John
I asked Lynch for comment and will update if he does.
Update: Lynch wrote me back simply: “No intrigue.” And he pointed to his email to employees above.