Meredith CEO Lacy Named Chairman

Meredith Corp. announced yesterday that its board of directors had nominated CEO Steve Lacy chairman, replacing William T. Kerr, who resigned. Lacy will remain president and CEO of the Des Moines-based magazine publisher while also overseeing the board. Kerr is remaining on the board, although he stepped aside as chair. Lacy has worked for Meredith since 1998, when he joined as CFO. He was named president and COO in 2004 and appointed CEO in 2006. Dianna Meredith Frazier was also appointed by the board as vice chair, Meredith said yesterday. Additionally, Meredith had good news for its shareholders, announcing that it was paying out a dividend of 23 cents a share for the year -- making 2009 the seventeenth year in a row that the company has increased its dividend. Full release after the jump Previously: Meredith Cuts 45 Jobs, Repositions Special Interest Division Steve Lacy Elected Chairman, Mell Meredith Vice Chairman of Meredith Corporation Board of Directors Board also increases annual dividend for 17th consecutive year DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Meredith Corporation's (NYSE: MDP) Board of Directors announced today it has elected Stephen M. Lacy as Chairman and Dianna (Mell) Meredith Frazier as Vice Chairman of its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Lacy, who will retain his post as Meredith's President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeds William T. Kerr, who resigned as Chairman but remains a Meredith Board member. Lacy, a member of the Meredith Corporation Board of Directors since 2004, joined Meredith as Chief Financial Officer in 1998. He was named President of the Meredith Publishing Group in 2000; President and Chief Operating Officer in 2004; and President and CEO in 2006. Frazier has been actively involved in Meredith's business since 1976, including serving as Director of Corporate Planning through 2003. She joined the Meredith Corporation Board of Directors in 2000, and also serves as Chairman of the Meredith Corporation Foundation. Additionally, the Meredith Board of Directors today declared a quarterly dividend of 23 cents per share, payable on March 15, 2010, to shareholders of record on February 26, 2010. This represents an increase of $0.02 annually and marks the 17th consecutive year Meredith has increased its dividend. Meredith has paid a dividend for 63 consecutive years. "This dividend increase reflects our confidence in Meredith's strong national and local brands, solid connection to the consumer, and ability to grow market share," said Lacy. "Additionally, we continue to maintain a conservative financial structure and have a track record of strong cash flow generation."

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Meredith CEO Lacy Named Chairman

Amanda Ernst

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Amanda Ernst