Mandell is responsible for the strategic development and implementation of technology across Knight Ridder Digital operations. She is charged with leading the improvement, development and acquisition of technology and tools to support content delivery and product development for KRD's web sites nationwide.

Hilary Schneider, chief executive officer, Knight Ridder Digital, said, "We are fortunate to have an outstanding talent such as Sharon joining our leadership team. She brings a wealth of technology experience to KRD. Central to our success is a technology platform that is highly efficient, scalable and flexible, and tools that enhance our ability to showcase the rich local content of Knight Ridder's newspapers. Sharon's expertise is unchallenged in this realm. She will also contribute as a member of the executive team that sets strategy and direction for the company. I couldn't be more delighted that she is joining us now."

Previously, Mandell, 39, was vice president of technology for Tribune Publishing where she coordinated technology strategy and standards with its newspapers and other business groups.

Prior to that, Mandell has been vice president and chief technology officer of Tribune Interactive where she oversaw the development of company-wide technologies, including infrastructure standards, product and system development and systems support. Mandell joined Tribune in 1998 as director/advanced technology, responsible for project management and development of new technologies for Tribune's business units and joint ventures.

"Knight Ridder Digital is a leader in online publishing," Mandell said. "I'm excited to be a part of this pioneering organization. The timing is right and I'm looking forward to delving in and helping to shape KRD's future success."

Before Tribune, Mandell was founder and owner of Plannet Crafters Inc., a developer of award-winning software utilities for Microsoft Windows. From 1991 to 1992, she was a software project manager at Computone and, from 1989 to 1991, was a senior systems engineer at Dun & Bradstreet Software. Earlier in her career, she held several technology-related positions, including software engineer, technical support and programmer. Mandell also has served as a technology consultant to several corporations, including Nokia and Tribune.

Mandell, a native of New Jersey, holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from Temple University. She completed graduate course work in computer science at Georgia Institute of Technology and holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of Chicago.

About Knight Ridder Digital:

Knight Ridder Digital, a leader in local information on the Web, creates innovative online services and delivers comprehensive local content to help consumers make the most of their experiences on the Internet. Knight Ridder Digital develops and manages the Internet properties of Knight Ridder, the nation's second-largest newspaper publisher. Knight Ridder Digital is a separate Internet subsidiary and is the founder and operator of Real Cities, a premier national network of city and regional Web sites nationwide.

Press contacts:

Cynthia Mallen Funnell
Knight Ridder Digital
408-938-6076
cfunnell@knightridder.com