The Times Publishing Co., to which the Tampa Bay Times, will have a new president and chief operating officer this fall.
Bala Sundaramoorthy, former executive at Cox Enterprises who most recently served as general manager of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, will assume the dual role at the Times on Oct. 1 when longtime executive Joe DeLuca retires as president.
Sundaramoorthy, 52, has a background in both financial services and technology. A Times press release on Tuesday explained that he is known for finding revenue streams, growing and engaging audiences, and implementing digital-first publishing strategies.
Conan Gallaty, chairman and CEO of The Times, said in the press release that Sundaramoorthy brings a wealth of experience.
“He is committed to delivering products that appeal to our readers in innovative ways,” Gallaty said.
DeLuca, 66, has been with the Times since 2001, where he has led changes in the company’s business strategy. He oversaw the acquisition of the Tampa Tribune, served as editor of tbt* and led the paper’s transformation into a digital-focused news service.
He became president of the Times last November and was inducted into the Florida Press Association Hall of Fame last month for his contributions to the state’s journalism industry.
News of the change came as the Times announced that The St. Petersburg Beacon will launch in early 2025. The print edition will be included in the Wednesday edition of the newspaper. The free weekly paper will also be delivered to non-subscribers in select zip code areas and can be read online. The publication focuses on local reporting in St. Petersburg.
The Times recently announced it would have to cut about 20 percent of its full-time staff. Gallaty told employees on Monday that layoffs could be avoided because enough employees had voluntarily chosen to leave the company.
