Harte-Hanks announces new president; CEO to retire

San Antonio, Texas—Harte-Hanks announced Dean Blythe has been promoted to president of Harte-Hanks. It is a position previously held by CEO Richard Hochhauser, who is retiring after 32 years with the company. Blythe was previously exec VP-CFO. Hochhauser will remain CEO until 2008, when Blythe will assume the role.

Hochhauser will serve as a consultant to the direct marketing company for a three-year period beginning in 2008, and he will remain a board member until his current term expires at the company’s annual meeting next year.

In addition, Gary Skidmore has been promoted to president-direct marketing, a newly created position, but will also retain his role as an exec VP at Harte-Hanks. Kathy Calta, an exec VP, is expected to leave the company next year “to pursue other professional opportunities,” according to a statement.

—Carol Krol