Architect Of Controversial 'Washington Post' Salons Resigns

By: E&P Staff The marketing executive who oversaw creation of the controversial "salon" dinners at The Washington Post, which were canceled after sparking complaints of conflict of interest, has resigned, the Post reported Friday.

Charles Pelton, who had helped organize the monthly dinners as the Post's new general manager of events and conferences, sent a resignation letter to Post President Stephen P. Hills, the report said. The letter stated: "Given the current circumstances with regard to the resources needed to launch [an events business], my family and I have decided not to relocate to Washington, D.C.," from California.

The dinners were promoted as a way to bring Post journalists, Obama administration and congressional officials and industry executives into a series of off-the-record events at the home of Post publisher Katharine Weymouth.

The salons were canceled in July before any were held after a brochure was discovered that sought sponsors to pay $25,000 for each dinner.