Star Tribune names Steve Grove its new publisher and CEO

I’m honored to join an organization that is driven by a sense of purpose, a belief that quality journalism matters and is essential to a thriving society and democracy. While we can be clear-eyed about the challenges that media organizations face today, I think the Star Tribune is well-positioned to meet those challenges. A strong Star Tribune means a stronger Minnesota.”

Steve Grove, newly named publisher and CEO, Star Tribune

Star Tribune Media Co., Minnesota’s largest media company, today announced it has appointed Steve Grove its new publisher and CEO. Grove steps in for Mike Klingensmith, who is retiring following a 13-year tenure with Star Tribune, which is owned by Minnesota businessman Glen Taylor.

Grove, a Minnesota native currently serving as Gov. Tim Walz’s commissioner of employment and economic development, will begin at the Star Tribune in April, allowing for a smooth transition from his current responsibilities. Previously, he spent 12 years as an executive at Alphabet’s Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) most recently as the founding director of the Google News Lab, which partners with media companies and startups to drive innovation in the news industry.

Grove also led Google’s civic engagement work, including the company’s nonpartisan voter information and get-out-the-vote efforts. He previously built YouTube’s news and politics team, launching the first partnership programs for news organizations, nonprofits and political candidates. Earlier, Grove was a journalist for The Boston Globe, ABC News and the Northfield (Minnesota) News, his hometown newspaper. The graduate of Northfield High School earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and economics from Claremont McKenna College and a master’s degree in public policy analysis from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

“From the newsroom to the boardroom, our entire organization is delighted to welcome Steve to the Star Tribune,” said Glen Taylor, chairman and founder of Mankato, Minnesota-based Taylor Corp. “As his history demonstrates, he is a true champion for Minnesota and Minnesotans. We’re fortunate to have an executive of his caliber — a true innovator — join our team and help us define the future of local journalism. Of course, we’re just as fortunate that he takes the reins from Mike Klingensmith, who has led our organization to extraordinary successes for 13 years. The strength of Star Tribune’s position today as the third-largest daily circulation metro print newspaper is a direct result of his vision, talent and leadership. Mike has been one of the most important figures in the 155-year history of this organization, and we will miss him greatly.”

“As a native Minnesotan, I’ve admired the Star Tribune all my life,” Grove said. “I’m honored to join an organization that is driven by a sense of purpose, a belief that quality journalism matters and is essential to a thriving society and democracy. While we can be clear-eyed about the challenges that media organizations face today, I think the Star Tribune is well-positioned to meet those challenges. A strong Star Tribune means a stronger Minnesota.”

About Star Tribune Media Company:

Star Tribune Media Company LLC is a locally owned, award-winning media company serving Minnesota and the upper Midwest. With the fourth-largest Sunday and third-largest daily circulation metro print newspaper in the U.S., more than 100,000 digital subscribers, a range of digital and home-delivered advertising solutions, and a growing portfolio of events, Star Tribune reaches more consumers than any other Minnesota media brand. For more information, visit www.startribunecompany.com.