The media company that owns the Daily News has a new President following Thursday’s annual meeting of its board of directors. And, for the first time in company history, his last name isn’t Shaw.
John Rung, 50, was named President of Shaw Media and elected to its Board of Directors at the company’s Annual Meeting. He previously served the company as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and will continue to serve as publisher of the company’s flagship publication, The Northwest Herald, in Crystal Lake, Ill.
Shaw Media CEO Tom Shaw said Rung’s appointment as the first person from outside the Shaw family to serve as company president was an important milestone for the 162-year-old company.
“John has demonstrated the ability to thrive in a highly successful, professionally managed family-company environment,” he said. “We believe that our unique business and family legacy will be in capable hands.”
Rung has been with the company 16 years and has served in a variety of management roles. As President, he will be the principal operating officer of the company, responsible for all of its operating activities, including revenue growth, strategic development and financial-goal management.
Shaw, 65, has been with the company 43 years, and is a fifth-generation member of the family that has continued to own and operate Shaw Media since its founding in 1851. He was elected President & CEO in 1993, and will continue as CEO in the role of the corporation’s principal executive officer, supervising its business and affairs.
“I am excited to take on this responsibility and I thank Tom Shaw and our Board of Directors for their faith in our leadership team,” Rung said. “Shaw Media has a storied past and an exciting future. We have a talented team of people who are committed to growth through excellence. Shaw’s proud legacy will continue.”