• by Val Brickates Kennedy , January 31, 2014

Former Hill Holliday CEO Mike Sheehan was officially named CEO of the Boston Globe Thursday night, with new owner John Henry taking on the august title of publisher, in a move that many in Boston perceive as yet another sign that Henry intends to be very hands on in his management of the venerable but financially troubled broadsheet.

According to a statement released by the Globe's parent company, Boston Globe Media Partners LLC, Sheehan -- who had been advising Henry on how to boost advertising sales -- will oversee day-to-day business operations while Henry focuses on strategy. Brian McGrory remains editor in chief.

“I am just a true believer in the value of quality journalism, properly sourced, well vetted, wonderfully written and edited,” Sheehan said in a statement. “And I’m not the only one. More people read the quality journalism of The Boston Globe today than ever before. Whether it is in print, online or on a phone, our journalism is everywhere. The opportunity for advertisers to reach a highly educated, civically engaged audience in the fifth wealthiest DMA in the country is limitless.”

“I’m excited about the opportunity to work for John Henry, whose track record at transforming Boston institutions is unblemished,” Sheehan added. “I would never bet against John Henry’s ability to turn Boston Globe Media into something spectacular in very short order.”

Sheehan stepped down as CEO of Hill Holliday in May after a decade at the helm, and officially retired as chairman last week. A Boston-area native, Sheehan began his career as a reporter for local newspapers such as the Weymouth News and the Patriot Ledger, and worked in the Boston Globe's library during college. Sheehan is also treasurer of the One Fund, a charitable trust set up to assist victims of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. 

Henry, who also owns the Boston Red Sox, bought the Globe, along with such media properties as Boston.com and the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, from the New York Times Co. in October for approximately $70 million.