Nathan Bekke Named Chief Operating Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Lee Enterprises (NASDAQ:LEE) has appointed Nathan Bekke as Chief Operating Officer. Previously serving as Operating Vice President and VP of Audience Strategy, Bekke has been instrumental in Lee's digital transformation, driving revenue growth and digital audience expansion. Since joining in 1988, he has advanced through various leadership positions and currently oversees news, audience, advertising, production, IT, and BLOX Digital operations. CEO Kevin Mowbray praised Bekke's contributions to operational efficiency and digital growth. Lee Enterprises operates as a major subscription and advertising platform, providing local news through daily newspapers and digital products across 72 markets in 25 states, including major markets like St. Louis, Buffalo, and Omaha.

Positive

• Appointment of experienced internal candidate with over 30 years at the company
• Strong track record in driving digital transformation and audience growth
• Demonstrated success in cost optimization and operational efficiency
• Proven leadership in increasing digital-only subscriptions and revenue

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

-4.05%

1 alert

-4.05% News Effect

On the day this news was published, LEE declined 4.05%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

DAVENPORT, Iowa, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nathan Bekke, Operating Vice President and Vice President of Audience Strategy, has been named Chief Operating Officer of Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (NASDAQ:LEE).

Kevin Mowbray, Lee’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said “Nathan has played an integral role in Lee’s transformation and has been a key leader in driving revenue and greatly increasing our digital audience that’s led to industry leading digital-only audience growth. He has also been a significant contributor to Lee with strong operational knowledge driving excellent results across the company. Among his many talents, Nathan has also demonstrated tremendous success consolidating legacy print costs that drive necessary efficiencies that allow the company to reinvest in our digital future. I join Lee’s Board of Directors in congratulating Nathan on this well-deserved recognition.”

“I’m truly honored to step into this role,” Bekke said. “As we accelerate our digital transformation, Lee is well positioned for a dynamic and successful future thanks to the tremendous progress we've made becoming a digital-first company. I’m incredibly fortunate to work alongside such talented colleagues across Lee who are driving exceptional growth in digital-only subscriptions and advancing our momentum at Amplified Digital Agency^® . The opportunities ahead are exciting, and I look forward to building on our strong foundation.”

Bekke, was appointed Vice President in January 2015.

He was named Operating Vice President and Vice President of Audience Strategy in 2020. He is responsible for news, audience, advertising, production, information technology and BLOX Digital operations. He began his career in 1988 advancing to many leadership positions throughout his more than three-decade career with Lee. 

Bekke has been involved with a wide range of charitable, community and statewide organizations throughout his career. He currently serves on the board of News Media Alliance. 

Nathan has two adult children and three adult stepchildren with his wife Trista.

ABOUT LEE

Lee Enterprises is a major subscription and advertising platform and a leading provider of local news and information with daily newspapers, rapidly growing digital products and nearly 350 weekly and specialty publications serving 72 markets in 25 states. Our core commitment is to provide valuable, intensely local news and information to the communities we serve. Our markets include St. Louis, MO; Buffalo, NY; Omaha, NE; Richmond, VA; Lincoln, NE; Madison, WI; Davenport, IA; and Tucson, AZ. Lee Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol LEE. For more information about Lee, please visit www.lee.net.

Contact:
IR@lee.net
(563) 383-2100

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6fad9956-f0ef-4c35-82d6-fbe7f9c3239e

FAQ

Who is the new COO of Lee Enterprises (LEE)?

Nathan Bekke has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer of Lee Enterprises. He previously served as Operating Vice President and Vice President of Audience Strategy.

What is Nathan Bekke's experience at Lee Enterprises (LEE)?

Nathan Bekke began his career at Lee Enterprises in 1988 and has served in various leadership positions over three decades, most recently as Operating Vice President and VP of Audience Strategy since 2020.

What are Nathan Bekke's responsibilities as COO of Lee Enterprises?

As COO, Bekke is responsible for news, audience, advertising, production, information technology and BLOX Digital operations at Lee Enterprises.

What markets does Lee Enterprises (LEE) serve?

Lee Enterprises serves 72 markets across 25 states, including major markets such as St. Louis, MO; Buffalo, NY; Omaha, NE; Richmond, VA; Lincoln, NE; Madison, WI; Davenport, IA; and Tucson, AZ.

What has been Nathan Bekke's impact on Lee Enterprises' digital transformation?

Bekke has played an integral role in Lee's digital transformation, driving revenue growth, increasing digital audience, achieving industry-leading digital-only audience growth, and advancing momentum at Amplified Digital Agency.