Times-Dispatch announces Todd Sears as VP of advertising

Todd Sears

The Richmond Times-Dispatch has named Todd Sears vice president of advertising and revenue development. He will start in Richmond on Sept. 15.

Sears has served as advertising director for The Press of Atlantic City in New Jersey for the past year. Atlantic City and The Times-Dispatch are owned by Berkshire Hathaway Media Group.

Sears' advertising achievements are extensive. He spent 20 years with Lee Enterprises Inc. and has held major newspaper advertising roles in two other state capitals – Lincoln, Neb., and Madison, Wis.

"Todd's resume is impressive, but so is how he's gone about managing and coaching advertising staffs during a period of unprecedented transformation," said Thomas A. Silvestri, president and publisher of The Times-Dispatch.

"I am honored and excited by this opportunity to join such a prestigious organization in one of the most dynamic regions in the country," Sears said. "The greater Richmond area is a growing market, and I look forward to meeting our advertising customers and becoming involved in the communities we serve."

Silvestri said Sears' ability to build strong relationships with advertisers as well as his engagement with community organizations were among his strengths.

"We're looking forward to Todd becoming a Richmonder and a Virginian,"  Silvestri said.

A graduate of the University of Nebraska, Sears will take over the leading advertising staff in the Richmond region. In addition, a creative design services group will report to him.

"Having lived and worked in two other capital cities, this opportunity is a terrific fit for my family," Sears said. "It's easy to see why people love to call the greater Richmond area home."

The Times-Dispatch is part of the Richmond Media Group, which includes the Richmond Suburban News weekly publications as well as the Richmond.com website.