In corporate speak "Executive VP" trumps "Senior VP" which is what the head of the b2b division is. But no mention of a promotion for him. Wonder what will happen to those pubs? Sell or shutter, sell or shutter.....

Condolences to those about to experience Ken's overload. His track record speaks volumes

What are the odds Segal retires by summer (or at the outside end of 2011) and Whyte takes his job?

"What are the Odds": Always the optimist.

Beware. Ken Whyte has his Whyte followers and will fire the rest. His track record does indeed speak volumes.

I really like MacLean's but doesn't this guy have a poor track record from a business perspective? Why give him more and more responsibility?

So much for the old "and the meek shall inherit" routine. Obviously meek has well as ability has nothing to do with this appointment. I can only hope enough people make their feelings known that the Rogers decision makers will at one point, probably not too far in the future, look back and remember they were warned. I wonder how much damage it will take?

Specifics -- what are the knocks against this guy?

his recent track record is very good. where is everyone getting their info?

I consider myself to be a Canadian publishing veteran. I've been in the business for almost twenty years and I'm also a former Rogers employee. I won't say that I know Ken Whyte "really well", but I do know enough about him to say that the appointment is well deserved. I'm sure that Ken will thrive in his newly expanded role.

"I consider myself to be a Canadian publishing veteran."

"I'm also a former Rogers employee."

^Both of these statements count against your sense of fairness and judgment of people in general.

@Anon 11: I don't quite understand your post. As a long term publishing industry professional, and as a former Rogers employee, this negatively impacts my "sense of fairness" and my "judgement of people in general". How so?

I started my publishing career in the days of Maclean Hunter, and have enjoyed the ride ever since (except for 2009/2010!). Not sure how this makes my comment biased or less valuable...

What is the obsession with this guy? Someone please enlighten me on how gets away with those antics!!

@Anon 10 - To answer your question, like you, my roots go back to the MacLean Hunter days. Unlike you, I felt the "love" of management when they needed to make cuts. Loyalty, long term performance and effort didn't mater when my publisher admitted he needed to hire a female for an available position. Legal? Of course not. But impossible to prove when it isn't in writing. My dismissal followed when it was assumed I would not be a happy employee. This type of behavior has effected many. As well, let's be up front. The current Rogers empire has made many tough decsions which have effected many. Rememeber, every time you dismiss a person, you have created a negative voice. Rogers is the "in thing" to dislike. Unfortunately, the continue to provide endless ammunition for many.

Not a rogers employee (current or former) and I like what they have done with Maclean's and CB. Very good mags IMHO