L.A. Times Reorganizes Advertising Departments; 6 New Posts Created

The Los Angeles Times, seeking to streamline and better coordinate its advertising sales efforts, on Thursday announced a reorganization of its display and classified advertising departments and creation of six new director of advertising positions.

“The complexity of today’s marketing environment demands concentrated, well-coordinated sales efforts,” Janis Heaphy, The Times’ vice president of advertising, said in announcing the reorganization.

One director, Mark Wurzer, 35, is now responsible for several major retail advertising categories, including department stores, consumer electronics and food and drugstores. He also oversees marketing for Nuestro Tiempo, The Times’ weekly Spanish-language publication.

Donna Freed, 35, oversees major retail categories that include entertainment, sporting goods and home furnishings. She is also responsible for advertising in the Calendar and TV Times magazine.

Larry Kline, 45, assumes responsibility for regional display advertising operations and continues to oversee all classified sales divisions.

Steve Anderson, 46, has been promoted to the new position of director of advertising operations, overseeing functions responsible for ad flow and customer service.

Two other new director positions, as yet unfilled, have also been created. One will be responsible for national advertising categories and sales for the Book Review section and Los Angeles Times Magazine. A new marketing services director will establish a business unit to serve Times advertisers and support sales efforts.