—TV host Katie Couric plans to join Yahoo as “global anchor,” the latest key media hire for CEO Marissa Mayer. She plans to join the Internet company some time next year, and her appointment follows the hiring of David Pogue of The New York Times in October.
“Katie’s depth of experience, her intellectual curiosity, and her charisma make her the perfect choice to anchor Yahoo News and the whole Yahoo Network. Her unmatched energy, savvy, and versatility enables her to connect with audiences across the globe,” Mayer said in a release. “News is a definitive daily habit for our users — and Katie will work with our talented editorial team to pioneer a new chapter of digital journalism.”
Couric added that joining Yahoo “offers a tremendous opportunity to reach people all around the world in the way that they’re using and consuming media today.”
—As part of an ongoing reorganization, struggling smartphone maker BlackBerry said today that its chief operating officer Kristian Tear and chief marketing officer Frank Boulben will leave the company. The company also announced that Brian Bidulka will be replaced by BlackBerry vet James Yersh as CFO. Board member Roger Martin also resigned. Last month, BlackBerry ousted its CEO Thorsten Heins and ended acquisition talks.
“I thank Kristian and Frank for their efforts on behalf of BlackBerry. I look forward to working more directly with the talented teams of engineers, and the sales and marketing teams around the world to facilitate the BlackBerry turn-around and to drive innovation,” said John Chen, Executive Chair and CEO of BlackBerry. “I also thank Brian for his eight years of dedicated service to BlackBerry. I look forward to working with James and his Finance team as we move forward, execute on our plans and deliver long-term value for our shareholders.”
—Greg Shaw is stepping down as publisher of Seattle online news site Crosscut to take a new job at Microsoft where he previously worked. He will remain on the board of Crosscut, which he joined in the summer of 2012.
“What happened? Very simply, an opportunity came along that was too promising to pass up: I will become Microsoft’s senior director for advertising and strategy with a focus on news partnerships,” Shaw writes in a blog post. Shaw previously worked at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Crosscut will be led by editor-in-chief Mary Bruno who joined the non-profit in January after stints at Newsweek, Seattle Weekly, ABC and Grist. She will serve as interim publisher, in addition to her role as editor-in-chief. Shaw calls her a “remarkable partner” and “an inspirational leader.”
Know of a notable tech industry hire? Email tips@geekwire.com. More Tech Moves here.
