Media industry veteran Susie Ellwood is the new publisher for Cox Media Group's (CMG) Austin American-Statesman and The Statesman Co., Austin's leading media business, which publishes newspapers and websites and also acts as a regional commercial printer and distribution company. 

 

Ellwood joins the Statesman on Dec. 3 and succeeds Jane Williams, who was recently named as CMG's senior vice president of television earlier this year.    

 

As publisher, Ellwood will be responsible for all business and editorial operations of the Statesman and its affiliated publications, including statesman.com, austin360.com, and eight weekly community newspapers.    

 

"Susie has deep passion for our business, is an accomplished media professional, and has a proven track record that speaks to her vast experience," said Mike Joseph, CMG's executive vice president. "Her values align solidly with those of Cox, evidenced in how she cares about people and the community she serves.  Susie is the right leader to take the Statesman into the next era." 

 

Prior to this appointment, Ellwood was executive vice president and general manager for USA TODAY, where she was responsible for editorial and business functions and strategic direction for Gannett's flagship brand. She also provided direction for the recent re-design and re-launch on all platforms.  Additionally, Ellwood held senior executive positions at the Detroit Media Partnership, including CEO, where she led the strategic transition of Detroit's two metro dailies.

 

"I'm thrilled to join the strong media heritage that thrives at the Statesman and Cox Media Group," said Ellwood.  "I look forward to working side-by-side with the media professionals in Austin to strive for constant transformation of our print and digital products and our business models -- always keeping our customers at the center of change. I will put my experience in leading and overseeing every aspect of a media business to drive success here."     

 

Ellwood began her media career in 1984 when she joined the Arkansas Gazette as vice president and director of marketing, where she led the marketing effort to take the Gazette from being a privately-held operation through to corporate ownership by Gannett.  Other career highlights include vice president of market development with Detroit Newspapers and Gannett's Newspaper Division. 

 

Ellwood currently serves on the Board of Directors for the International Newsmedia Marketing Association.  She is a board member for the mid-Atlantic chapter of the Make-A-Wish foundation and a member of the International Women's Forum.  Ellwood is an Arkansas native and a graduate of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Ark.