Hachette's Kliger Turns Down Chairman Role

It turns out Jack Kliger won't be staying on as chairman of Hachette Filipacchi Media after all.

When Kliger announced in June that he would step down on Sept. 1 as CEO of the company that publishes Elle, Car & Driver and other titles, he noted that he had been "offered the position of chairman, HFH U.S." But this morning, Kliger announced in a memo to staff that he will instead serve as senior advisor to Alain Lemarchand, Hachette's new CEO.

A Hachette spokeswoman says Kliger decided against the chairmanship "because he wants to be free to look for his next opportunity. After discussion, Jack decided this would be the role that would give Alain the greatest support in transition, but by the end of the year he will be free to do other things."

Here's Kliger's message:

Dear colleagues,

To update you on my plans, I have agreed to stay with Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. until the end of 2008 in the role of Senior Advisor to the CEO. As you know, Alain Lemarchand has now joined us as President & CEO of HFM U.S., and I want to continue to do everything I can in the coming months to contribute to a smooth transition. Alain is a seasoned and intelligent professional who has been a trusted executive in the Lagardère Group for many years. These fine attributes will benefit the company in its continued development.

I am proud of the high caliber team here, and I think that the excellence of your performance is reflected in the company's outstanding products and reputation in the media community. Please join me in welcoming Alain Lemarchand and in giving him your full support.

Jack Kliger