The New York Observer, September 6th, 2007
The Politico's Daniel Kunitz, associate publisher and managing editor for the web, has left the paper. According to a memo sent to staff late this afternoon, Mr. Kunitz does not yet know where he is headed next. He will continue to help out with various web-related projects until editors figure out "the right way to move forward."
Full memo after the jump.
We have some news about Dan Kunitz, our associate publisher and managing editor of Politico.com. He has let us know that he will be moving on from Politico, around the time of our first anniversary.
Many reporters and editors in the trenches do not have occasion to work with Dan in a day-in, day-out way. That’s why it is important we share some of his achievements.
For all the miles Politico has traveled in eight months, we would not have made it even a few feet were it not for Dan’s indispensable—indeed, in our book, downright heroic—efforts in the early days around our launch. Many people told us it was not possible to get a site up and launched in the short time we had available last winter. Dan and Ryan Mannion led the team of developers and producers that proved these skeptics wrong—with a lot of sleepless nights and a few close calls. After launch, they both immediately set about to improve what we had created, an example of the kind of constant self-critique and innovation that we want to be second nature at this publication.
Dan has a great eye for talent. He assembled our fine team of web producers. And he has a quiet, focused, superbly organized style that—depending on one’s point of view—either complements or highlights the deficiencies of our own. Either way, we are very fortunate he has been by our side in this critical period.
Before Politico, Dan has had a distinguished record over some 15 years in various roles at Allbritton Communications. Most recently, that included the successful start-up of Irides, the web hosting firm.
Given this illustrious career path, it is not surprising to us that Dan is ready to look for his next challenge. These are times with a lot of opportunities for someone with his expertise in technology and business, and he wants to explore.
The potential disruption of his departure is softened by the gradual transition he is generously giving us. He’ll continue to spearhead upcoming projects, including several new pages and the web planning for Politico co-sponsored presidential debates in December and January. This gives us time to think comprehensively about the right way to move forward.
Dan has our deep thanks, and a permanent spot in the Politico Hall of Fame.
John and Jim
