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Business and Economic News
MPR News Staff

Star Tribune names Steve Grove, commissioner and ex-Google exec, next publisher

Minnesota DEED Commissioner Steve Grove
Pictured in March 2020, Steve Grove is slated to be the next publisher of the Star Tribune.
Christine T. Nguyen | MPR News

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Updated 4:55 p.m.

The Star Tribune has tapped Minnesota’s commissioner of employment and economic development to take the paper’s top job.

Steve Grove was named publisher and CEO on Tuesday.

Grove is a Northfield native and a former Google executive who has worked in Gov. Tim Walz’s administration since January of 2019. He will take over the job at the Star Tribune from Mike Klingensmith, who is retiring after 13 years in the top job of Minnesota’s biggest media company.

“I’m honored to join an organization that is driven by a sense of purpose, a belief that quality journalism matters and is essential to a thriving society and democracy, Grove said in a statement from the Star Tribune announcing his hiring. “While we can be clear-eyed about the challenges that media organizations face today, I think the Star Tribune is well-positioned to meet those challenges. A strong Star Tribune means a stronger Minnesota.”

“We’re fortunate to have an executive of his caliber—a true innovator—join our team and help us define the future of local journalism,” said Glen Taylor, the Star Tribune’s owner.

Before he led the department of employment and economic development Grove spent 12 years at Google, where he was the founding director of Google News Lab.

The Star Tribune reported that Grove will be expected to drive digital subscriptions and increase advertising as the paper faces a future with fewer print subscribers.

Along with health officials, Grove as a state commissioner was a consistent public presence during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, while some businesses were temporarily closed from in-person contact.

As a state agency commissioner, Grove dealt regularly with media outlets. There were occasional clashes over records tied to his activities. Just this week, the agency settled a lawsuit over Grove’s decision to block people on Twitter despite his use of his account to tout actions from his public role.

A spokesperson said Grove was unavailable for an interview with MPR News Tuesday.

Grove’s last day as commissioner is March 2 and he starts his new job in April.

Grove’s economic development achievements include “record-setting grant programs in broadband development and child care, creating the Launch Minnesota program, and bringing back Minnesota’s Angel Tax Credit,” Walz said in a statement

“It’s been an honor to be Minnesota’s Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development for the last four years, and I’m grateful to Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan for the opportunity to serve in the best job I’ve ever had,” said Grove in the statement released by Walz.