New York Times publisher Arthur Sulzberger announced succession plans at a staff meeting on Monday, revealing that he’ll name a deputy publisher in two years.
“One of the challenges of any business is succession, and that certainly holds true for family succession planning,” Sulzberger said during the “State of the Times” address.
“I’ve been in my role as publisher for more than 20 years and I’ve hit my mid-sixties, so it should come as no surprise that the task of choosing my successor has begun,” he continued.
The Ochs-Sulzberger family has owned the paper for five generations. The three internal candidates believed to be in the running to replace the 64-year-old when he steps down are his son, Arthur Gregg Sulzberger, nephew David Perpich, who launched the Time’s digital subscriptions, and Sam Dolnick, the son of Sulzberger’s cousin Lynn Golden Dolnick.
Sulzberger may remain chairman of the board until he’s 70, the company’s guidelines state.
“This is a formal process involving the Board of our company, senior management and the family trustees. It is our intention to be as transparent as we can as this unfolds,” he said.
Sulzberger became publisher in 1992 and was named chairman of The New York Times Co. in 1997.
Read Sulzberger’s full prepared remarks below
And, finally, something I often discuss in these forums:
The commitment of the Ochs/Sulzberger family to this institution.
While so much has changed since the last State of The Times, this is one thing that has remained very much the same. Our family is completely supportive of the strategic direction of the company and deeply committed to The Times for the long term.
I can think of no stronger example of that commitment than the fact that six members of the fifth generation of the family work here. Each is actively engaged in initiatives that are tied to our future.
One of the challenges of any business is succession, and that certainly holds true for family succession planning.
I’ve been in my role as publisher for more than 20 years and I’ve hit my mid-sixties, so it should come as no surprise that the task of choosing my successor has begun. Within two years we intend to name a deputy publisher.
This is a formal process involving the Board of our company, senior management and the family trustees. It is our intention to be as transparent as we can as this unfolds.
It is also important to note — and I know it is a comfort to all of you — that the abiding commitment this family has for the mission of The Times is consistent across the generations.