Sierra Vista, AZ – Francis Wick, the youngest of the third generation of Wick Communications’ family ownership, announced Wednesday his intention to step down as CEO of the company. He has served as CEO since 2016.
Wick will remain on as CEO through October as the company seeks a successor. He hasn’t yet announced his next steps, but plans to retain his seat on the company’s board of directors, which he’s held for over a decade.
“This was a very difficult and personal decision, because I believe so strongly in the future of this company. I also believe strongly in the future of local journalism and I look forward to supporting it through advocacy and entrepreneurial efforts in my next chapter,” he said. “I also think that the company will benefit from having a fresh perspective and new energy at the helm.”
During his tenure as CEO, Wick completed 12 portfolio acquisitions and divestitures, purchased a long-standing regional event, introduced federal legislation to support local journalism through the Local Journalism Sustainability Act and received one of the first Google News Initiative Innovation Challenge awards to develop a local community discussion board.
“We’ve accomplished a lot in nearly a decade and the company is positioned well to maintain its focus on informing our communities and ensuring local businesses have strong advertising solutions from a local and trusted organization,” he said. “I will continue to engage vigorously in supporting our family-owned company however I can.”
In addition to running the 98-year-old company, Wick has been active in supporting the media industry. He serves as a board member of the family-owned EO Media Group in Oregon; a board member of America’s Newspapers; the co-chair of America’s Newspapers’ advocacy committee; a board member of the Publishers Association to Gain Economies cooperative (PAGE); and a board member of The Desert Angels, a start-up investment group in Tucson, Arizona.
“The board of directors reluctantly accepted Francis’ decision to step down as CEO, especially given his tremendous accomplishments at Wick,” said John Romney, chairman of Wick Communications’ board of directors. “We are grateful that Francis has assembled a talented group of executives who will continue to lead the company as we seek a new leader. As a board, and personally, we have the utmost respect for Francis, and we wish him well in his future endeavors. We are grateful that he will remain an active member of the board.”
Wick board member and family representative Rebecca Rogers said, “I’m grateful for the time, energy and leadership Francis has brought to our company during his multi-year tenure as CEO. His enduring passion for community news in all formats is a gift to all he comes in contact with. I wish him and his family all the best as he starts his new adventure.”
The company, led by the board of directors, will now begin a formal process to recruit its next CEO.
“I will actively participate in the process to help find and support my replacement, and do everything in my power to ensure their success,” Wick said.
Interested and qualified applicants may send all relevant materials to Wendee Grinde at wendee.grinde@wickcommunications.com.
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