Tribune Co. Names New CEO

Eddy Hartenstein has been named the new president and chief executive officer of the Tribune Company. The board of directors appointed Hartenstein, and he'll take the position immediately.

Hartenstein has been serving as publisher and chief executive officer of Los Angeles Times Communications, LLC. He's held that position since August 2008, and will continue serving in the position. The company says Kathy Thomson will assist Hartenstein in these tasks through a newly created position of President and Chief Operating Officer of The Times.

In a statement, Chairman Sam Zell said Hartenstein will provide strategic vision and direction as the company prepares to emerge from the Chapter 11 process.

"Eddy is a gifted executive-he knows our operations, understands how technology is changing the media industry, and can help the company capitalize on those changes to continue achieving meaningful financial results," Zell said in his statement.

Hartenstein will be responsible for overseeing Tribune Company operations. He's served as co-president of the company and a member of its Executive Council since last October.

Previous Tribune CEO Randy Michaels resigned last October. His personal conduct and management style had come into question of whether he could lead the company out of bankruptcy.