Globe Publisher Ainsley To Retire

BOSTON — Just a few months after securing major concessions from union workers, the publisher of the Boston Globe says he’s retiring.

Steven Ainsley will be replaced by a Globe vice president, Chris Mayer, on Jan. 1.

Globe management threatened to shut down the paper earlier this year as it negotiated $20 million in contract concessions from its unions.

Below is the text of Ainsley’s letter to his staff informing them of his retirement:

Dear Colleagues,

I am announcing today that I am retiring effective January 1, 2010, after a
rewarding career of  almost 32 years in the newspaper business, 27 of those
years with The New York Times Company.   That said, my three years as
publisher of The Boston Globe rank as among my most satisfying.

While the past few years have been difficult for our business, the
tremendous show of commitment to this institution from everyone who works
here has been deeply meaningful to me.  I am as proud of the people who
work at The Globe, Boston.com, The Worcester Telegram & Gazette and Globe
Direct as any group of people with whom I have ever been associated.  In
challenging times you have made every day enormously gratifying for me.

I am very pleased to announce that Chris Mayer, currently senior vice
president, circulation and operations, will succeed me as publisher of The
Boston Globe on January 1st.  Those of you who have worked with Chris know
just how capable, forward-thinking and inclusive a leader he is.  His deep
knowledge of all aspects of our business and industry will serve the Globe
and Boston.com very well in the years ahead.

During the next few weeks, I will be working closely with Chris to assure a
smooth transition.

Although I hope to have the opportunity to personally wish each of you
well, allow me now to thank you for your support.  It truly has been an
honor to serve as publisher of this newspaper and to work alongside all of
you.