'Beaumont Enterprise' Names New Publisher

(AP) -- A Houston Chronicle executive has been chosen as the new publisher of The Beaumont Enterprise.

Hearst Newspapers, which owns both newspapers, announced Bill Offill's appointment Thursday to succeed John E. Newhouse II.

The 48-year-old Offill has been executive vice president of sales and marketing at the Chronicle since 2004 and holds a journalism degree from Louisiana State University.

Hearst also announced a reorganization of its Texas newspapers. Under the new alignment, Offill will report to Chronicle publisher and president Jack Sweeney, who will also serve as president of the new Hearst Texas media group.

Tom Stephenson, publisher and president of the Hearst-owned San Antonio Express-News, will serve as the group's general manager. Publishers of Hearst newspapers in Midland, Laredo and Plainview will report to Offill in Beaumont.

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