Harte-Hanks Leader to Retire

Texas-based direct marketing giant Harte-Hanks, which targets promotions based on information gathered at the point of sale, has promoted Dean Blythe to President, replacing CEO Richard Hochhauser who is retiring after 32 years with the company.

Blythe, who joined the company in 2001 as General Counsel and became CFO in 2003, will also take over the CEO role when Hochhauser leaves it in 2008. Hochhauser will then continue to work for the company as a consultant for another three years.

Gary Skidmore is meanwhile promoted to the new role of President, Direct Marketing, remaining an Executive VP, while Executive VP Kathy Calta will reportedly leave the company next year 'to pursue other professional opportunities'.

Hochhauser, 62, joined Harte-Hanks in 1975 and started its market research division. He is credited with reinventing the former TV station and newspaper owner as an international direct marketing firm, and has been CEO since 2002, President since 1999 and a board member since 1996. He comments: 'It's a decision that's been very difficult to make... It's a wonderful company, and it's treated me wonderfully well.' Of Blythe's appointment, he says: 'The Board and I have been discussing potential succession alternatives for a number of years and, earlier in 2007, we announced several senior executive promotions... Today's announcement is a continuation of that process and recognizes the many valuable contributions Dean has made to Harte-Hanks and his deep involvement in the operations of the company.'

Chairman Larry Franklin said of Hochhauser: 'Since becoming CEO in 2002, through his keen insights and leadership, the [direct marketing] business has continued to evolve and our shoppers business, also a leader in its industry, has expanded significantly.'

Harte-Hanks recently reported a difficult second quarter with net income falling 24% to $22.9m, but analysts have expressed confidence in its recovery. The firm is online at www.harte-hanks.com.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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