Los Angeles Daily News Publisher to Step Down

ke Massey, publisher of the Los Angeles Daily News and chief executive of its parent, Los Angeles Newspaper Group, resigned Tuesday, saying he would pursue other, unspecified interests.

Massey plans to leave July 1, at the close of the financial year for the eight daily newspapers in the group, a subsidiary of William Dean Singleton’s MediaNews Group.

“For some time now, I have wanted to spend more time with my family and to pursue some other interests,” Massey said in a statement.

Gerald E. Grilley, MediaNews chief operating officer, said he wished Massey well.

* Robert Mondavi Corp., the maker of Woodbridge, Byron Vineyard and Vichon Mediterranean wines, has named Gregory Evans chief executive and R. Michael Mondavi chairman.

The Oakville, Calif.-based company named founder Robert Mondavi chairman emeritus. He will devote more time to the start of the American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts.

Timothy J. Mondavi, one of Robert Mondavi’s sons, was named board vice chairman and winegrower. R. Michael Mondavi, another son, was named chief executive and president in 1994. Evans, appointed chief operating officer in 1998, has been with the company for 20 years.

* Anthony Press, an expert in intellectual property law, will be managing partner of a new Century City office for law firm Morrison & Foerster. It will be the downtown Los Angeles-based firm’s seventh California office and have 11 attorneys focusing on entertainment and technology issues.

* Thomas Properties Group, a Los Angeles-based real estate investment, development and asset management firm, has promoted Mark Laderman to director of acquisitions for Southern California. He was responsible for acquisition of Valencia Town Center and 800 S. Hope St. in downtown Los Angeles.

* Jordan Sollitto has been named executive vice president of worldwide marketing for Warner Bros. consumer products in Burbank. Sollitto most recently served as chief marketing officer for the company’s online unit.