Meet the Gannett Board of Directors

Gannett is a leading global media and marketing solutions company that operates across four main business segments: publishing, digital, broadcasting, and marketing services. As with any large company, an essential part of Gannett's operations is its Board of Directors. This group of individuals plays a crucial and strategic role in the direction and decision-making of the company. In this article, we will delve into the members of the Gannett Board of Directors, their responsibilities, and how they are elected to their position.

Who are the members of the Gannett Board of Directors?

The Gannett Board of Directors comprises of 12 members, most of whom are independent directors. The board members have a wide range of experiences and qualifications, including expertise in business, finance, operations, communications, and technology. Furthermore, the board values diversity and inclusion, which is evident in the board's composition, with women and people of color making up a significant portion of the board.

Some notable members of the Gannett Board of Directors include John Jeffry Louis, who has extensive experience in media and telecommunications, and Debra Sandler, who has a background in marketing and consumer goods. Additionally, the board includes several members who have held executive positions at major corporations, such as Larry Kramer, the former CEO of USA Today, and Nicole Carroll, the editor-in-chief of USA Today. Overall, the Gannett Board of Directors is composed of a diverse group of individuals with a wealth of experience and expertise in various industries.

The history and evolution of the Gannett Board of Directors

The Gannett Board of Directors has gone through significant changes and evolution over the years. The company has a history of mergers and acquisitions, which have led to changes in board composition and structure. In 2019, Gannett was acquired by New Media Investment Group, and the ownership structure of the company changed. The board of directors now includes members from both Gannett and New Media Investment Group, and together, they have responsibility for the parent company, Gannett Co, Inc.

One notable change in the Gannett Board of Directors occurred in 2015, when the company split into two separate entities: Gannett Co, Inc. and TEGNA Inc. This split resulted in the creation of two separate boards of directors, each with their own responsibilities and leadership. The Gannett Co, Inc. board of directors focused on the company's publishing and media operations, while the TEGNA Inc. board of directors oversaw the company's broadcasting and digital businesses. This restructuring allowed for a more focused approach to each business segment and provided greater opportunities for growth and innovation.

What is the role of the Gannett Board of Directors in the company?

The primary responsibility of the Gannett Board of Directors is to provide oversight and strategic direction for the company. The board sets the overall strategic direction of the company, including its goals, and monitors the company's performance against those goals. Additionally, the board oversees risk management and ensures that the company adheres to legal and ethical standards. Another critical responsibility of the board is to provide guidance and support to the CEO and management team.

One of the key roles of the Gannett Board of Directors is to ensure that the company is financially stable and sustainable. This involves reviewing and approving the company's budget, financial statements, and major investments. The board also plays a crucial role in making decisions about mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, which can have a significant impact on the company's financial health.

Another important responsibility of the Gannett Board of Directors is to ensure that the company is meeting the needs of its stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, customers, and the communities in which it operates. This involves monitoring the company's social and environmental impact, as well as its reputation and brand image. The board may also be involved in developing and implementing corporate social responsibility initiatives, such as charitable giving programs or sustainability initiatives.

How are directors elected to the Gannett Board?

The Gannett Board of Directors is elected through a nomination process. Shareholders nominate candidates for director positions, and the board has a committee responsible for reviewing nominations and selecting new board members. When the board selects new members, the nomination committee evaluates various factors, including the candidates' qualifications, experience, gender, and diversity. Additionally, the board has a Lead Independent Director who is responsible for ensuring that the board's governance practices and procedures are followed, including the director nomination process.

It is important to note that the director nomination process is not a one-time event. The board continually evaluates its composition and may seek out new candidates to fill vacancies or bring in fresh perspectives. The board also considers feedback from shareholders and other stakeholders when making decisions about director nominations. This ongoing process helps to ensure that the board remains diverse, qualified, and responsive to the needs of the company and its stakeholders.

The qualifications and experience required for serving on the Gannett Board

The Gannett Board of Directors values diverse experiences, skills, and backgrounds. The company looks for individuals who have knowledge in finance, media, technology, operations, and other areas that are relevant to the company's business. Additionally, the board looks for individuals with strong leadership qualities and a commitment to ethical and responsible conduct.

Furthermore, the Gannett Board seeks individuals who have experience in corporate governance and a deep understanding of the regulatory environment in which the company operates. Candidates should also have a track record of making strategic decisions that drive growth and create value for shareholders. The board values individuals who are able to think critically and objectively, and who are willing to challenge the status quo in order to drive innovation and progress.

The diversity and inclusion initiatives of the Gannett Board of Directors

Gannett's commitment to diversity is evident in its board composition, which includes a diverse mix of gender, ethnicity, and experience. The Board has implemented programs that promote diversity and inclusion in decision-making processes. Additionally, the board has adopted policies and practices that ensure that people from diverse communities have an equal opportunity to serve on the Board.

One of the initiatives that the Gannett Board of Directors has implemented is the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. This task force is responsible for identifying and addressing issues related to diversity and inclusion within the company. The task force works closely with the Board to develop strategies and programs that promote diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the company's operations.

Another initiative that the Gannett Board of Directors has implemented is the Diversity and Inclusion Training Program. This program is designed to educate employees on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The program covers topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership. The goal of the program is to create a more inclusive and welcoming workplace for all employees.

The current challenges facing the Gannett Board of Directors

The media industry is changing rapidly, and as a result, the Gannett Board of Directors faces numerous challenges, including adapting to digital technologies and responding to shifting consumer preferences. Additionally, as with any publicly traded company, the board must ensure that the company performs well and achieves its strategic objectives while adhering to legal and ethical standards.

Another challenge facing the Gannett Board of Directors is the need to attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive industry. With the rise of digital media, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can navigate the complexities of online publishing and advertising. The board must develop effective strategies for recruiting and retaining these individuals, while also ensuring that the company remains financially sustainable in the long term.

An analysis of recent decisions made by the Gannett Board

The Gannett Board of Directors has made several significant decisions that have impacted the company's operations and performance. For instance, the Board approved the acquisition of Cars.com in 2014 and the merger with New Media Investment Group in 2019. Additionally, the Board approved various executive appointments, including the hiring of a new CEO in 2020.

Another significant decision made by the Gannett Board was the implementation of a digital subscription model for their newspapers in 2019. This decision was made in response to the decline in print newspaper sales and the increasing popularity of online news sources. The digital subscription model has been successful in generating revenue for the company and has helped to offset the decline in print sales.

Furthermore, the Gannett Board has also made efforts to diversify the company's revenue streams by investing in new business ventures. In 2018, the company launched a marketing services division called Gannett Marketing Solutions, which offers digital marketing services to small and medium-sized businesses. This new division has been successful in generating additional revenue for the company and has helped to offset the decline in traditional advertising revenue.

Interviews with members of the Gannett Board about their experiences and perspectives

The Gannett Board of Directors is composed of individuals with a broad range of experiences and perspectives. Conducting interviews with the board members provides a deeper understanding of their roles on the board and their views on various topics concerning the company.

During these interviews, board members shared insights into their decision-making processes and how they approach challenges facing the company. They also discussed their vision for the future of Gannett and how they plan to navigate the rapidly changing media landscape. By hearing directly from the board members, stakeholders can gain a better understanding of the company's direction and priorities.

Differences between serving on a public versus private company board as a member of the Gannett Board

There are significant differences between serving on a public versus private company board, including governance requirements, transparency, and shareholder expectations. As a publicly traded company, the Gannett Board of Directors has specific obligations to its shareholders and the general public regarding governance and transparency.

One of the key differences between serving on a public versus private company board is the level of scrutiny and accountability. Public companies are required to file regular reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and make them available to the public. This includes financial statements, executive compensation, and other important information. Private companies, on the other hand, are not subject to the same level of disclosure requirements.

How does Gannett compare to its competitors in terms of board composition and governance?

Gannett's board composition and governance practices compare favorably to those of its competitors. The company's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and ethical conduct sets it apart from others in the industry. Additionally, Gannett has implemented governance policies that protect shareholder rights and ensure transparency in decision-making processes.

The future plans and strategies for the Gannett Board under new leadership.

The Gannett Board of Directors is focused on achieving its strategic objectives and continuing to meet the evolving needs of its customers and clients. The board is committed to maintaining its strong governance practices and implementing policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of the organization.

A timeline detailing key moments in the history of the Gannett Board.

From its founding in 1923 to the present day, the Gannett Board of Directors has undergone significant changes and evolution. A timeline detailing the essential moments in the company's history offers insight into the company's growth and transformation over the years.

What do investors think about the performance of the company under this board?

Gannett's performance under the current Board of Directors has been positively received by investors. In 2019, the company's stock price increased following its merger with New Media Investment Group, and it has continued to perform well in recent years. While there are always challenges facing any company in a highly competitive industry, the Gannett Board of Directors is committed to ensuring Gannett's continued success and growth.

In conclusion, the Gannett Board of Directors plays a vital role in the direction and decision-making of the company. With diverse and experienced board members, the board is committed to ensuring Gannett's continued success and growth. The board has implemented various policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and ensure transparency in decision-making processes. While facing significant challenges, the future of Gannett looks promising under its current leadership.