Davis brings a track record of results-driven leadership at Metro Corp. and GateHouse Media as Harte Hanks moves into its next growth phase.
Harte Hanks Inc. (NASDAQ:HHS) announced today that media-industry veteran Kirk Davis has been appointed as CEO, effective June 19, 2023. Mr. Davis has also been nominated as a member of the board of directors. Mr. Davis most recently served as CEO of legacy publishing company Metro Corp. and previously served as CEO of GateHouse Media, which was the second-largest regional publishing company in the United States before merging with Gannett in 2019.
He succeeds Brian Linscott, who has served as CEO of Harte Hanks since June of 2021 and previously served as Chief Operating Officer.
“We are grateful to Brian for his service and for his efforts in navigating the challenges that our business has faced in recent years, and we thank him for his many contributions,” said Jack Griffin, Chairman of the Board. “Looking forward, we are very enthusiastic about the foundation we have in place and the opportunities ahead of us. Harte Hanks is a 100-year-old company, and we’re evolving to drive improved results for our shareholders and customers for the next 100 years. Kirk Davis has driven highly successful growth strategy and operational change initiatives, and he’s highly respected by industry peers. He’s the right leader at the right time to move Harte Hanks forward.”
“Harte Hanks has national and international relevance with an ability to reach a wide range of customers, giving it real value in today’s market. As a Massachusetts resident, I’m proud that we’re headquartered in the Bay State and honored to be taking the reins,” stated Mr. Davis.
Mr. Davis has decades of media and marketing expertise, having served as CEO of prominent companies such as Metro Corp., which publishes Boston and Philadelphia magazines, and GateHouse Media, a leading multimedia company that served audiences of nearly ten million per week in states across the U.S.
“The opportunity to join a company with a 100-year life span, that has continued to evolve to meet the shifting needs of its many customers, is remarkable,” said Mr. Davis. “Today, Harte Hanks is a global company delivering customer care, analytics, strategy, technology, content, logistics and fulfilment services. I’ve dedicated my career to building value and growth in similar multichannel enterprises, and I’m excited to be part of this legacy company’s next chapter. I’m looking forward to collaborating with the talented management team and employees who have helped solidify Harte Hanks as an industry leader. Together, I think we can continue delivering world-class services, achieve bold new goals, and drive profitable growth.”
