UPDATE 1-Gannett CEO takes medical leave after back surgery

NEW YORK, June 15 (Reuters) - Gannett Co Inc (GCI.N), the largest U.S. newspaper publisher, said its chief executive will take a medical leave of absence after having back surgery.

Gannett, in a statement released on Monday, said Craig Dubow's medical leave will be temporary. Chief Financial Officer Gracia Martore will serve as the company's top executive until Dubow returns.

Dubow, who was 54 as of the company's last annual report published in February, said he was looking forward to a full recovery.

A Gannett spokeswoman was not immediately available for comment.

Gannett shares fell 12 cents, or 2.84 percent, to close at $4.10 on the New York Stock Exchange. They rose 1.5 cents in after-hours trading.

(Reporting by Robert MacMillan; Editing by Richard Chang)