Gannett Co., Inc. announced that John Zidich, president of Domestic Publishing and publisher of USA TODAY, will retire after more than 40 years with the company. Zidich’s retirement will be effective April 3, 2018.

“John played an instrumental role in setting the strategic direction for Gannett during his tenure. We are grateful for his leadership and innumerable contributions to Gannett during his esteemed career. John’s devotion to our readers, advertisers and employees is something that will always stand out during our time together. I appreciate his commitment to a smooth transition over the next few months,” said Robert Dickey, Gannett president and chief executive officer.

Zidich was named President of Domestic Publishing and publisher of USA TODAY in 2015. In this role, he has oversight for the domestic publishing business, which includes the company’s 109 local media properties plus USA TODAY. Previously, he was chief executive of Republic Media and publisher of The Arizona Republic and West Group President. Before his time in Phoenix, he served as president and publisher of the Reno (Nev.) Gazette-Journal, after starting his Gannett career in 1977 at the Stockton Record, formerly owned by Gannett.