Time Inc. Hires Digitas' Lang as CEO, Pointing to Digital Evolution

Laura Lang has been named Time Inc. CEO after serving the same position for ad agency Digitas during the last four years. She’ll start with the New York-based publishing giant at the beginning of January, a Time Inc. spokesperson told ClickZ News. Lang replaces Jack Griffin, who was fired by Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes back in February after only a six-month run.

Pundits have quickly jumped on the Lang hire – has the venerable Time ever laterally poached a CEO from the advertising world, much less a digital agency? – as a bold suggestion that the publisher wants an aggressive new media strategy. Bewkes’ prepared comments did little to dilute their analysis.

“Laura’s leadership experience, brand management expertise, understanding of digital and marketing, and strong relationships with the creative and advertising communities are a great fit for Time Inc.” he said. “She is the right person to lead the company as it aggressively evolves its businesses during a time of great change and opportunity in publishing.”

Lang added in the press release, “Time Warner’s commitment to lead the digital transformation of all its businesses, will lead to great opportunities to deepen our connections with consumers.”

The new Time exec wasn’t available for interviews.