ink-stained wretches

Gray Lady Hires Spencer Stuart to Look for CEO

Pedestrians pass in front of the New York Times Co. building in New York, U.S., on Wednesday, April 27, 2011. New York Times Co., publisher of the namesake newspaper, said more than 100,000 people signed up for new digital subscriptions, a sign online revenue may help offset a decline in print advertising and circulation. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Photo: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The New York Times Company has hired Spencer Stuart — an executive recruiting firm, not Gossip Girl character — to conduct a search for a new CEO.

Bloomberg reports that Times Co. is launching an external search after former CEO Janet Robinson stepped down in December. Robinson is now paid $4.5 million per year to stay on as a consultant for the Times. She isn’t required to work more than fifteen hours a week, meaning she’s paid about $25,000 an hour. Times Co. chairman Arthur Sulzberger Jr. has been acting CEO since December.

Some internal favorites, according to Bloomberg: chief advertising officer Denise Warren and president/general manager of NYT Media Group Co., Scott Heekin-Canedy.

The Times revised its paywall plan this morning, only allowing non-subscribers to read ten free articles a month instead of twenty. The tweaked paywall system is further proof that while things aren’t all sunshine and rainbows at Times HQ, things could be worse for the Gray Lady.

If you’re interested in running the New York Times Company, shoot Arthur Sulzberger an e-mail with your résumé.

Gray Lady Hires Spencer Stuart to Look for CEO