Chicago Tribune Announces Editor Transition

Ann Marie Lipinski Stepping Down; Gerould Kern Appointed As New Editor

CHICAGO, July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chicago Tribune today announced that
Ann Marie Lipinski is stepping down as the newspaper's senior vice president
and editor and that Gerould W. Kern will succeed her in that position. Kern
has served as Tribune Publishing's vice president/editorial since 2003, and
spent 11 years at the Chicago Tribune in a variety of senior leadership
positions in the newsroom.
"Ann Marie has had a brilliant career at this newspaper since starting as
an intern in 1978," said Bob Gremillion, executive vice president of Tribune
Publishing. "She was named editor in 2001 and has led the newsroom with
grace, passion, and a commitment to journalistic excellence. We wish her the
very best in future pursuits."
Kern becomes the newspaper's 21st editor. He joined the Chicago Tribune
in 1991 as suburban editor after serving as executive editor and managing
editor of The Daily Herald in Arlington Heights, Ill. Kern led the expansion
of the Tribune's suburban news coverage, and was appointed associate managing
editor/metro in 1993. He was named deputy managing editor/features in 1995,
and began applying investigative techniques to features disciplines and
creating award-winning journalism. In 2001, Kern became associate editor of
the Chicago Tribune, and later that year was named editorial director for
Tribune Publishing, coordinating editorial cooperation and coverage for the
company's daily newspapers. In addition to his publishing group role, Kern
recently was named vice president/news and features for Tribune Media Services
(TMS).
"Gerry will be an outstanding editor," said Gremillion. "In his role with
Tribune Publishing, he's been instrumental in leading collaboration and
rethinking newsroom strategy and organization across our newspapers. His
credentials as a journalist and editor are impressive and he cares greatly
about the future of the Chicago Tribune."
Kern said, "I am deeply honored and excited to rejoin the Chicago Tribune.
This is a critical time in the history of this great newspaper, but I am
confident that we will meet the challenges ahead. The Chicago Tribune has a
long history of innovation in the face of change, and our staff possesses the
talent, vision and drive to lead us into the future.
"I was privileged to work alongside Ann Marie for more than a decade,"
Kern added. "Her achievements and contributions to the success of the Chicago
Tribune across her 30-year career were absolutely extraordinary."
"It has been a privilege to have served as editor of this great paper,"
Lipinski said. "I am ready for new challenges but leave with a fierce
affection for my newsroom and the Chicago Tribune."
Prior to becoming editor, Lipinski headed the newspaper's investigative
team, served as metro editor, managing editor and executive editor. In 1988,
she was one of three reporters awarded a Pulitzer Prize for a series of
stories about corruption involving Chicago's City Council. During her tenure
as editor, the Chicago Tribune won Pulitzers in international reporting,
feature writing, explanatory reporting, editorial writing and investigative
reporting.
About Chicago Tribune Media Group
Chicago Tribune Media Group publishes the Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago
Tribune as well as related print and interactive media serving Chicagoland
like RedEye, Hoy, Triblocal, chicagotribune.com, chicagosports.com and
metromix.com.
SOURCE Chicago Tribune

Michael Dizon, Communications Manager of Chicago Tribune, +1-312-222-3165,
mdizon@tribune.com