Tribune Publishing, a division of Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB), today announced the appointment of Doug Thomas as vice president/advertising, a new position, effective May 15. Thomas was previously vice president/advertising for the Chicago Tribune.

“This appointment reflects the vital priority of achieving profitable top-line growth across our newspaper, targeted print and interactive businesses,” said Scott Smith, Tribune Publishing president. “Doug is exceptionally well qualified for such a key role. He has strong client relationships, a keen understanding of marketplace dynamics and solid sales management skills.”

Thomas will lead advertising initiatives, including planning and organization development, throughout Tribune Publishing, working in partnership with top management at the company’s daily newspapers. He will also continue cultivating major national retail accounts as senior vice president of Tribune Media Net.

“This is a challenge and an opportunity I’m looking forward to,” Thomas said. “Accelerating revenue growth is the goal of all Tribune newspapers, and I’ll be working closely with our local ad executives to help bring that about. There is a lot we can do market by market and through coordinating our efforts as a team.”

Thomas has been the Chicago Tribune’s vice president/advertising since March 2004. He joined the Tribune in 2000 as advertising category director, overseeing the movie, entertainment, apparel and department store categories. He then served as director of major accounts/fashion and entertainment prior to being named advertising director. Thomas was Midwest advertising director for People magazine before joining Tribune.

A Connecticut native, Thomas graduated from Dartmouth College in 1982.