Bennett announces plans to leave Digital First Media

Digital First Media has announced that Barbara Bennett, chief financial officer, is leaving the company at the end of the month.

SVP and Chief Accounting Officer Michael Koren who has been with the company and MediaNews Group since 2001, has been appointed chief financial officer.

"It is sad to see Barb leave us but she and her family have an opportunity, which will be announced soon, which they want to pursue. I want to thank Barb for all her hard work and leadership. We will miss her," said John Paton, CEO of Digital First Media. "Fortunately, we have great bench strength and I am pleased that Michael Koren, who knows our company and our strategy intimately, will step up into the role as chief financial officer."

"It's been a true pleasure working with DFM, its talented people, and its board. It is a forward-looking company with a tremendous future," Bennett said.

Prior to being appointed SVP & CAO of the company, Koren was VP and controller since joining the company. Prior to MediaNews Group, Michael spent the first 11 years of his career with the CPA firm Ernst & Young.

"I am excited to join our corporate leadership as they continue to execute the Digital First strategy which has positioned the company as an industry leader through aggressive transformation," said Koren.