Star Tribune Media Co., Minnesota’s largest media company, today announced the appointment of Aron Pilhofer to chief product officer.
In this new leadership position, Pilhofer will lead the Star Tribune’s efforts to grow its digital products and services to meet the needs of its readers. He will work across the organization to develop a product-driven strategy that accelerates the Star Tribune’s mission of building a better Minnesota by connecting the people, ideas, and stories that strengthen our communities.
“The Star Tribune was a daily read for me growing up, and I’m thrilled to return home for this new role,” said Pilhofer. “While the landscape for local news is challenging, Star Tribune stands out as one of the organizations well prepared to lead the digital transformation. It's truly an honor to join this remarkable team and contribute to the exciting journey ahead."
Most recently, Pilhofer was the James B. Steele Chair in Journalism Innovation at Temple University. In addition to teaching, his work focused on new business models, digital transformation and innovation in news. Before joining Temple, Pilhofer served as the executive digital editor and then chief digital officer at the Guardian in London. There, he led the Guardian's 200-person product and technology teams as well as heading visual journalism — including pictures, graphics, interactive and data journalism.
Prior to joining the Guardian, Pilhofer was at The New York Times where he served as associate managing editor for digital strategy and editor of the Interactive News team. He was responsible for developing and executing the newsroom's approach to technology, new products, analytics, interactive and social media. Pilhofer also worked closely with the Times’ business departments in the development of new paid products.
Pilhofer has co-founded three news-related startups: DocumentCloud.org, Hacks & Hackers and The Tiny News Collective. Originally from Minnesota, he is a proud graduate of Southwest High School.
“I’m elated to have such a seasoned and innovative news executive return to his home state to help us strengthen the Star Tribune for Minnesota,” said Steve Grove, CEO and publisher of the Star Tribune. “Aron’s leadership comes at an important moment in our digital transformation — we’re excited for all that lies ahead.”
This appointment marks another significant step in the Star Tribune’s effort to fulfill its vision to become the leading model for local news in America.
Pilhofer will join the Star Tribune effective Dec. 11.
About Star Tribune Media Company:
Star Tribune Media Company LLC is a locally owned, award-winning media company serving Minnesota and the upper Midwest. With the third-largest Sunday and fourth-largest daily circulation metro print newspaper in the U.S., the most-visited local website, a range of home-delivered advertising solutions, and a growing portfolio of events, Star Tribune reaches more consumers than any other Minnesota media brand. For more information, visit www.startribunecompany.com.
