McClatchy Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

McClatchy has 6 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, technology development, local news operations, media management, regional editorial oversight, and organizational leadership.

Committed to journalistic excellence, McClatchy delivers essential news and marketing solutions while maintaining a legacy of public service across diverse American communities.

Leadership Roles at McClatchy

  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Tony Hunter
  • President & The News Tribune Editor & Olympian, Northwest Regional Editor - Stephanie Pedersen
  • President - Tefferi Gashaw
  • Chief Technology Officer, B2B Products - Derek Cohen
  • Chief of Staff and Local News - Kathy Vetter
  • Division Media Chief of Staff - Jane Howard
  • Tony Hunter - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Tony Hunter, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at McClatchy, directs the overarching strategic vision for the publishing enterprise. Hunter manages the transition of traditional newspaper operations into a modern, digital-first media model. By aligning corporate resources with evolving market demands, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer ensures long-term sustainability across all daily and non-daily publications. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to optimize revenue streams and maintain editorial integrity. Tony Hunter drives the expansion of direct marketing and mail operations to capture broader audience segments. Through rigorous oversight of the company's national footprint, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the organization. By fostering innovation in news delivery, Hunter strengthens the competitive position of the firm within the American media landscape, ensuring that the company remains a vital source of information for readers nationwide.
    Tony Hunter

    Stephanie Pedersen - President & The News Tribune Editor & Olympian, Northwest Regional Editor

    Stephanie Pedersen, the President & The News Tribune Editor & Olympian, Northwest Regional Editor at McClatchy, oversees editorial and operational activities across the Northwest region. Pedersen manages the newsrooms of key publications, ensuring that reporting standards remain high while driving regional growth. By directing the editorial strategy for the Northwest, the President & The News Tribune Editor & Olympian, Northwest Regional Editor ensures that local coverage resonates with the specific interests of the community. This role involves balancing the demands of daily news production with the long-term goals of the company. Stephanie Pedersen drives the development of digital content strategies that expand the reach of regional publications. Through the oversight of Northwest operations, the President & The News Tribune Editor & Olympian, Northwest Regional Editor maintains the company's reputation for journalistic integrity. By fostering innovation in regional news delivery, Pedersen strengthens the company's presence in the Northwest, ensuring that local readers receive timely and accurate information.
    Stephanie Pedersen

    Tefferi Gashaw - President

    Tefferi Gashaw, the President at McClatchy, directs the operational execution of the company's core business objectives. Gashaw manages the day-to-day functions that support the publishing and marketing operations across the entire organization. By overseeing the implementation of corporate policies, the President ensures that all departments work in harmony to achieve growth targets. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of market trends to adjust operational strategies as needed. Tefferi Gashaw drives the optimization of business processes to improve overall efficiency and profitability. Through the management of key operational units, the President supports the company's mission of providing essential news and marketing services. By fostering a culture of performance and collaboration, Gashaw ensures that the organization remains agile in a rapidly changing media environment. Through strategic oversight, the President secures the company's position as a leader in the industry, consistently delivering value to readers and commercial partners alike.

    Derek Cohen - Chief Technology Officer, B2B Products

    Derek Cohen, the Chief Technology Officer, B2B Products at McClatchy, architects the digital infrastructure supporting business-to-business service offerings. Cohen manages the development of proprietary platforms that enable direct marketing and mail operations to function at scale. By integrating advanced data analytics into the product suite, the Chief Technology Officer, B2B Products enhances the value proposition for commercial clients. This role requires close collaboration with editorial and sales teams to ensure technical solutions support the broader publishing mission. Derek Cohen drives the modernization of internal systems to improve operational efficiency across the company's diverse media portfolio. By prioritizing scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Technology Officer, B2B Products facilitates seamless content distribution and advertising delivery. Through continuous technical refinement, Cohen supports the company's digital transformation, ensuring that all B2B products remain at the forefront of the media industry while meeting the complex needs of modern advertisers.
    Derek Cohen

    Kathy Vetter - Chief of Staff and Local News

    Kathy Vetter, the Chief of Staff and Local News at McClatchy, coordinates the operational alignment between executive leadership and local newsrooms. Vetter manages the execution of editorial initiatives that define the company's commitment to community journalism. By streamlining communication channels, the Chief of Staff and Local News ensures that daily newspaper operations remain consistent with corporate standards. This leadership role involves balancing the needs of local newsrooms with the strategic goals of the broader organization. Kathy Vetter drives the implementation of newsroom workflows that prioritize high-impact reporting and audience engagement. Through the oversight of local news operations, the Chief of Staff and Local News maintains the quality and relevance of the company's reporting. By fostering a culture of accountability and excellence, Vetter supports the sustainability of local journalism, ensuring that every publication effectively serves the specific information needs of the communities within the company's extensive regional network.

    Jane Howard - Division Media Chief of Staff

    Jane Howard, the Division Media Chief of Staff at McClatchy, facilitates the operational integration of various media divisions across the company. Howard manages the administrative and strategic processes that allow division leaders to focus on content production and audience growth. By optimizing resource allocation, the Division Media Chief of Staff ensures that each media unit operates with maximum efficiency. This role involves coordinating cross-functional projects that span multiple newspaper properties and marketing operations. Jane Howard drives the adoption of standardized best practices to improve performance across the entire media portfolio. Through the management of division-level initiatives, the Division Media Chief of Staff supports the company's broader mission of delivering high-quality journalism. By maintaining clear lines of communication between departments, Howard ensures that all media divisions remain aligned with the corporate strategy, ultimately contributing to the overall success and market impact of the organization in the competitive media sector.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Media & Internet

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding McClatchy Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads McClatchy?
    McClatchy is led by Tony Hunter (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Stephanie Pedersen (President & The News Tribune Editor & Olympian, Northwest Regional Editor) and Tefferi Gashaw (President).
    Who is part of McClatchy’s executive team?
    The executive team of McClatchy includes leaders such as Tony Hunter (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Stephanie Pedersen (President & The News Tribune Editor & Olympian, Northwest Regional Editor), Tefferi Gashaw (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does McClatchy have?
    McClatchy has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in McClatchy’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of McClatchy includes roles such as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, President & The News Tribune Editor & Olympian, Northwest Regional Editor, President, Chief Technology Officer, B2B Products, Chief of Staff and Local News.