Baumann retires, Ray to head Paddock board

The board of directors of Paddock Publications Inc., publishers of the Daily Herald, have announced the appointment of Douglas K. Ray to the position of chairman of the board, succeeding Daniel E. Baumann, who was named chairman emeritus following a 46-year association with the company.

Baumann, who served as board chairman for nine years, told the board that the time is right for him to step aside and allow for an orderly transition for the new chairman. He will remain a director of the company and will consult on operational issues as needed.

Saying he was "honored" to hold the chairman's position, Ray looked to the future and praised his "talented and innovative management team and staff."

"For them and for me, the challenges which lie ahead are real and considerable, but the opportunities abound," he said Wednesday. "Our company has emerged from the most significant economic downturn in modern times stronger than ever. The Daily Herald brand is powerful and growing, as our business model today includes diversification into an array of niche products, the Internet and commercial printing.

"All this has been possible because Paddock Publications has built its reputation and successes on reliable and consistent local news and information and on lasting customer relationships. These core values will continue to serve us well as we look to the future."

Ray joined Paddock Publications as a reporter in 1970 and held a variety of management positions in the newsroom over the years, becoming editor in 1991. He was named senior vice president and editor in 1996.

He became general manager in 1998, president and chief operating officer a year later and CEO in 2002. He was named publisher in 2009.

Ray will retain his duties as chief executive officer, president and publisher.

Baumann joined Paddock Publications as a reporter in 1964 and became its editor 10 years later. He became general manager in 1982 and in 1988 was named chief operating officer. In 1998 he became publisher and in 1999 chief executive officer. He was named chairman in 2001 and retired from full-time status in 2002, although he remained a director of the company.

"I have been privileged to be associated with the Paddock family for 46 years, beginning when the second generation of newspaper Paddocks was still involved and well before we converted the weekly Herald newspapers into the Daily Herald," Baumann said in a staff memo Wednesday announcing the moves. "Although considerable challenges lie ahead, the company's performance is improving ... My long association with Doug has continued to build my confidence in his business judgment and skills as well as his fairness and character. I have full confidence that he and our strong management team and staff are well prepared for the future."

In addition to the Daily Herald, Paddock Publications publishes Reflejos, a weekly bilingual journal of news focusing on the interests of suburban Latinos, and a variety of specialty products.