President for Philly.com is named

Former newspaper reporter Ryan Davis, 32, yesterday was named president of Philly.com, the online company run by Philadelphia Media Holdings L.L.C., publisher of The Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News.

"This is a growing business, and we need to figure out how to make it grow in the best possible way," said Davis, who joined the company in February as director of strategic operations.

"His unique background, intelligence, and collaborative leadership style make him a very valuable member of our management team," publisher Brian P. Tierney said in a letter to employees yesterday.

Davis replaces Eric Grilly, who left in the spring to join Comcast Sports Group as executive vice president and chief digital officer.

Even as a journalism student, Davis hoped to move into the business end of publishing. After five years of reporting at the St. Petersburg Times and the Baltimore Sun, he returned to school, earning a master's in business administration from the University of Virginia.

"I thought I could add a lot of value if I understood business and journalism," he said.

As newspapers struggle to integrate print and online offerings, it will be Davis' job to oversee Philly.com's new business growth, technology, revenue generation, and content.

"None of us have it down yet," Davis said. "The opportunities are limitless, but we need to choose the right opportunities."

In September, Philly.com had 72 million page views, up from 43 million in September 2008, the company said.

Before joining the company, Davis was a media consultant for McKinsey & Co. He is married and has a newborn daughter.