A leader of companies and advisor for 30+ years, Tony Hunter provides practical leadership lessons on Strategy, Change, and Execution. He has navigated massive disruption throughout his career as CEO, strategist, and advisor.
CONTACTAbout Tony Hunter
Chairman & CEO, McClatchy Co. | Keynote Speaker | Former CEO, Chicago Tribune | Board Director
Tony Hunter understands firsthand how to navigate massive disruption—and win. As a transformative CEO, strategist, and change agent, Tony has helped companies reinvent themselves and emerge stronger, positioned for growth. Tony now leads as CEO of The McClatchy Company, overseeing iconic brands like US Weekly, Miami Herald, Kansas City Star and more, where he is charting a digital, sustainable path anchored in operational excellence and organizational agility.
As CEO/Publisher of the Chicago Tribune, Tony took the helm during a historic economic downturn and led the organization out of bankruptcy to become America's most profitable news organization. He is recognized as an architect of change, renowned for building strong leadership teams, catalyzing culture change, and adopting a "think like the disruptor, not the disrupted" mindset.
After Tribune, Tony founded TWH Enterprises, advising executives and companies on thinking bigger, acting bolder, and translating strategy into action using his acclaimed "orgagility" method. Tony is also an advocate for inclusive leadership and developing emerging leaders.
Outside of his executive leadership roles, Tony serves on major non-profit boards, is a former chair of the News Media Alliance, holds a BA from Coe College and an MBA from DePaul University, and cherishes his role as a husband, father, and "Papa".
Strategy — Planning — Execution
Used in top brands to conduct and manage to plans, Tony has defined key dynamics speaking end-to-end delivery. A popular guide for business and podcasts, he can easily craft a specific approach for your organization.
Strategy
Tony delivers actionable insights on translating vision into winning business strategies. His approach equips organizations to anticipate disruption, build agile roadmaps, and seize new opportunities—no matter the industry landscape.
- Building resilient growth strategies
- Aligning teams for unified execution
- Navigating digital transformation
Change
Tony specializes in leading organizations through periods of intense change. He shares frameworks to foster cultural agility, transform legacy systems, and empower people to thrive amid uncertainty and disruption.
- Driving enterprise-wide reinvention
- Overcoming resistance and inspiring engagement
- Catalyzing high-performance organizational cultures
Execution
From strategy to results, Tony's leadership is rooted in disciplined execution. He offers proven systems for operationalizing change, measuring what matters, and delivering sustainable business outcomes.
- Turning strategy into action
- Building accountability and alignment
- Achieving transformative results
Keynotes & Top Videos
Tony's most impactful presentations on leadership, strategy, and transformation
TEDx: Life Leadership Lessons
Tony's lessons for achieving greatness:
- Adapt, evolve, and reinvent—embrace change as your blueprint for career and life success.
- Value resilience: it's not where you start, but where you finish.
- Build your foundation on integrity, kindness, and hard work; stay humble and become a lifelong learner.
- Breakthrough moments often follow preparation and embracing new challenges.
- Reinvent yourself often, listen deeply, and seek mentors for honest feedback.
- Lead with authenticity and develop emerging leaders.
Chicago Tribune: Turnaround Strategy
Tony's five keys to leading transformation through disruption:
- Simplify plans and align employee interests.
- Prioritize employee engagement and transparent communication.
- Put customers at the center of every decision.
- Invest in new growth opportunities and challenge industry assumptions.
- Involve your team: engaging people may slow you at first but amplifies speed later.
His bold approach took the Tribune from bankruptcy to industry leader, proving the value of challenging conventional wisdom and fostering connected, empowered teams.
Watch on YouTubeFuture Festival: Leading Through Disruption
Top lessons for leading teams through high-velocity change:
- Hire and develop leaders with diverse backgrounds who champion change.
- Create a culture that rewards speed, agility, and candid feedback—'orgagility'.
- Hold people accountable to outcomes while empowering innovation.
- Combine pride in your company's history with relentless focus on future opportunities.
- Choose to be the disruptor, not the disrupted—thrive amid uncertainty by staying action-oriented.
What Others Say
Tony Hunter is my business hero. As CEO, he led the Chicago Tribune from bankruptcy to becoming the most profitable news organization in America, with an unmatched focus on culture, change and a mindset for thinking like the disruptor, not the disrupted. After working with Tony for almost a decade, his leadership skills and passion for change provide practical tools for today's emerging leaders. We were thrilled to have him be part of our Future Festival, alongside Malcolm Gladwell, where he was one of our highest scoring speakers ever.
Tony has always focused on building leaders and creating an inclusive work environment. I am especially grateful that he is such a champion of developing female leaders.
Contact Tony
Interested in working with Tony for a keynote presentation, leadership development, or strategic consulting?