The announcement was made by Keith McMullin, CEO of Deseret Management Corp., in a meeting with the Deseret News staff. Olsen assumes the publisher role from Robin Ritch, who was president and publisher for nearly two years.
Hal Boyd
Additionally, Deseret News announced that Doug Wilks, editor of the publication since 2016 and executive editor since 2021, will remain executive editor. Hal Boyd has been named editor of the Deseret News, a role he assumes in addition to his current duties as executive editor of Deseret Magazine.
Ritch, a veteran executive with experience at Microsoft, Intel and Cisco, decided to step away from her role at Deseret News to pursue other career interests.
Olsen, Deseret News’ head digital officer for six years, previously was general manager and content director for the company’s websites and apps. He has extensive experience in content development, web technology, digital marketing and public relations, having previously worked for the Pew Research Center and PR firms in Washington, D.C., and Utah.
Boyd, a former opinion editor and reporter for Deseret News, brings rich experience to the role of editor. Boyd recently worked as a faculty member at Brigham Young University and has written for various national outlets including The Atlantic, The New York Times, NBC News and the National Review.