Davenport-based newspaper publisher Lee Enterprises announced it has hired a chief transformation and commercial officer.
Les Ottolenghi, a Fortune 500 senior technology and cybersecurity executive, was hired for the senior-level role that was created to advance and accelerate Lee’s digital growth, Kevin Mowbray, Lee’s president and CEO, said in a news release.
“Les brings over 25 years of leadership experience in large public corporations and high-growth technology startups, with keen expertise in digital transformation, artificial intelligence developments, e-commerce, modernizing digital infrastructure, data monetization, and cybersecurity,” Mr. Mowbray said. “His addition will help Lee exceed the five-year targets in our Three-Pillar Growth Strategy of expanding our subscriber base, growing our base of annualized recurring revenue and driving new revenue streams.”
In the Quad Cities region, Lee is the publisher of the Quad-City Times, The Dispatch/Rock Island Argus and Muscatine Journal newspapers. It publishes more than 350 weekly and specialty publications serving 73 markets in 26 states.
“I see tremendous value in Lee’s strategy. As chief transformation and commercial officer, I am excited to collaborate with the Lee team to leverage the power of transformative AI to drive our data business and accelerate Lee’s digital leadership,” Mr. Ottolenghi said.
He will report to Mr. Mowbray and is responsible for modernizing Lee’s IT infrastructure and developing and directing accelerators to Lee’s digital transformation strategy. Mr. Ottolenghi will also report to the company’s board of directors and its audit committee on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence implications. In addition, he will work with the CEO and chief financial officer on shareholder outreach and investor relations.
His experience includes serving as executive vice president and chief information and technology officer for Stride Inc., leading the education company’s digital transformation, artificial intelligence and digital products initiatives. He previously was executive vice president and global chief information officer for Caesars Entertainment Corp., Global Chief Information Officer for Las Vegas Sands Corp., and chief information officer for Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Inc.
Early this year, Lee reported it is nearing a major milestone as its growing digital revenue earnings are close to exceeding its falling print revenues.
