ink-stained wretches

Time Inc. CEO Jack Griffin Out

Jack Griffin, who only months ago was brought on as CEO of Time Inc., was fired today by Time Warner chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes. Bewkes blamed it on Griffin’s leadership style, which Bewkes claimed “did not mesh with Time Inc. and Time Warner.”

Griffin came over from Meredith Corporation in August of 2010, and was brought on to help bring Time’s arsenal of magazines — including Time, Sports Illustrated, People, and Entertainment Weekly — content online. But sources inside the company say that Griffin’s communications style — and his sometimes inconsistent messages — led to problems. And some felt his management style was disruptive.

But others contend that Griffin was ousted because he battled against entrenched forces for change. “Jack’s exit had nothing to do with management style and everything to do with the question of whether Time is manageable so long as entrenched interests fiercely resist the change necessary to position the organization for the future,” said an anonymous source close to the matter. Griffin attempted to initiate change by bringing in consultants to the organization to reorganize the company, which made some executives uncomfortable.

No immediate successor to Griffin was named. For now, the company will be overseen by an interim management committee that will report directly to Bewkes.

With our deep and talented pool of employees, I’m confident that during this transitional period Time Inc. will continue to grow and prosper, and that you will continue the brilliant work that has defined our company,” Bewkes said.

Time Inc. CEO Jack Griffin Fired Amid Culture Clash [HR]
Time Inc. Chief Executive Jack Griffin Out [Media Decoder/NYT]

Time Inc. CEO Jack Griffin Out