Hedge fund taps Hunter as CEO of McClatchy

Chatham Asset Management has announced that Tony Hunter has been appointed the next chief executive officer of The McClatchy Co. following the news company’s emergence from Chapter 11 and the completion of its court-approved sale in September.

Hunter will succeed Craig Forman, McClatchy’s CEO, who resigned along with the current board.

Chairman Kevin McClatchy will also depart the company upon McClatchy’s emergence from its court-supervised reorganization.

Hunter is an accomplished operating executive with more than 30 years of experience.

Hunter joined the Tribune Co. in 1994 and rose to the rank of CEO of Tribune Publishing and publisher of the Chicago Tribune, a role he held from 2008 to 2016.

He was also executive vice president at Tribune Publishing.

Additionally, Hunter was also a board member of Revolution Enterprises and has also remained chairman of Nucleus Marketing Solutions.

He is also currently the chairman of Revolution Enterprises.

Hunter said:

“McClatchy has a well-earned reputation for independent journalism in the public interest, and I am humbled to lead this institution alongside Chatham, a longtime supporter of McClatchy and the publishing industry.

“Craig and his team have had impressive success in transitioning to a digital business model, which we intend to accelerate. While honoring its past and continuing its commitment to essential local reporting, we will chart a new, sustainable path for McClatchy focused on customers, operational excellence, and organizational agility.”