The E.W. Scripps Company has tapped executive vice president and chief financial officer Lisa Knutson to lead the new Scripps national television networks business, while executive vice president, national media, Laura Tomlin will become chief administrative officer of the company.
The move comes following the company’s closing of its acquisition of ION Media.
In her new role, Knutson will oversee the operations of the newly combined businesses of ION Media, the five Katz networks and Newsy. Knutson joined Scripps in 2005 and served as chief strategy officer and chief administrative officer before being appointed chief financial officer.
Tomlin will be leading human resources, information technology and enterprise strategy, while focusing on consumer technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Tomlin joined the company in 2010 and led human resources and business operations for Scripps’ former Digital division before being named executive vice president, national media.
Both senior leaders will continue reporting to Scripps president and CEO Adam Symson.
“Lisa and Laura are strong leaders, each of whom has a proven track record of creatively and strategically guiding Scripps through periods of change and growth,” Symson said. “In these new roles, both will be instrumental in continuing the company’s tradition of capitalizing on the evolution of the media landscape.”
Following the transition, Scripps has started a search for a new CFO to replace Knutson.
“We will continue to ensure our businesses are able to operate with the resources they need to succeed while we seek ways to centralize key corporate and shared services functions across the organization,” Symson added.
