Jun 5, 2009

Daily Breeze/Press-Telegram publisher heads to San Diego*

Mark Ficarra, who for the last 17 months served as publisher of the Torrance Daily Breeze and Long Beach Press-Telegram, announced today that he is leaving to become VP of sales and marketing at the San Diego Union-Tribune. Here's the memo to employees:
Fellow employees,

I wanted to let you know with this short note that I'll be leaving my position as publisher of the Daily Breeze and Press-Telegram. I've accepted a position as the vice president of sales and marketing at The San Diego Union-Tribune. I’ll remain at the company over the next few weeks.

The past 17 months that we've gone through together have been challenging but rewarding. We've weathered a severe economic downturn yet, through your hard work, we've put ourselves in a strong position for the months and years ahead. I can't tell you how proud I am of the work and dedication I've witnessed during my tenure here. I'm privileged to have had this opportunity, and thank you for all your efforts.

Mark
Ficarra is the second LANG executive to take a top job at the Union-Tribune since the San Diego paper was acquired by Platinum Equity. Last month, Ed Moss resigned as president and publisher of the nine-newspapers LANG chain to takeover as publisher of the Union-Tribune.

*Update: The Daily Breeze business section has more on Ficarra's departure. LANG has yet to name a replacement.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

how ironic that the LANG suits are defecting.

Anonymous said...

Don't think Singleton drones going down to the SD Tribune is defection. Remener who was taking a tour a year or so ago, Lean Dean. I wouldn't be suprised if you soon see his rascal scooter wheeling around SD.

Anonymous said...

Please explain how the past 17 months have been "rewarding"....

Anonymous said...

He put himself in a strong position in the coming months. It'll take Little Eddie a while to figure out what a VP of Adv does. Then, watch out.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Atzerodt said...

Future LANG headquarters by another name?

Anonymous said...

well, they destroyed the lang papers. so mission accomplished.

Anonymous said...

You appear to be getting a little tight with your removal of comments. Since I posted the one eliminated here, it is worth asking the question, why was it eliminated. Some humor, not a personal attack, and truth. Am I/we missing something here? Seems to be occuring a bit more often lately.

I understand it certainly is your decision, but, this one seems a bit much.

Anonymous said...

The same vacuum of leadership that has set up roost in San Diego will cause the newspaper to bleed more than ever. only two items are lacking, talent and ability. Not to mention doing right by the company and the people who work there.

Anonymous said...

yes but they decimated the lang papers. nothing left of 'em.
medianews is close to filing for bankruptcy. very close.

Anonymous said...

Filing for bankruptcy won't mean a thing. Look at Tribune. If anything, it will give Medianews ownership/management even more ability to screw with people. Further union concessions, if that is even possible, more debt releif, etc etc etc. It doesn't mean Singleton and his cronnies will depart and life will be better. In fact, most likely the opposite will occur.

Anonymous said...

ron kaye is going to SD too.

Anonymous said...

Ron has a bit more class than to hook up with their current cost cutter er publisher.

Anonymous said...

SGVN auto group. Looks like management wants a bit more out of you from a sales effort. My guess is to expect some changes very quickly.

Anonymous said...

SGVN auto group? They have 2 account reps working that category.

Anonymous said...

about to change