TORONTO STAR RE-ORGANIZING
By Adnews Staff
The Toronto Star has made a change in its executive offices as part of a long term strategic plan aimed at bringing in more advertising, now in the final stages of approval. Marketing and corporate development vice-president Victor Kruklis has been made a group manager, responsible for drumming up national advertising and improving relationships with agencies. A replacement in his old job is yet to be named. The newspaper is also looking for someone to oversee advertising and sales. The Star hired the Boston Consulting Group to assist in the review of its operations. The daily has been battered by increasing newsprint prices and sluggish advertising sales. After losing $32 million in 1993, The Star managed an $8-million profit in 1994. Advertising revenues grew in 1995 but this was largely due to rate hikes. The paper is owned by Torstar Corp. of Toronto, which also produces Harlequin romance novels, community newspapers and supplementary educational supplies.