The New York Times Company  has announced that Janet L. Robinson, 61, president and chief executive officer since 2004, will retire on December 31, 2011. Arthur Sulzberger Jr., currently chairman of the company and publisher of The New York Times, will serve as chief executive officer on an interim basis. Ms. Robinson also will step down as a director of the Company on December 31, 2011. She has agreed to serve as a consultant to the Company for one year.

“On behalf of the Board and the entire New York Times Company I want to thank Janet for her significant contributions during her career, especially during the challenging years we most recently faced,” said Mr. Sulzberger Jr. “Among her accomplishments, she has led our continuing transition to a multi-platform company and directed steps that resulted in an improved liquidity position and significant cost reductions. This was achieved during an uneven economic recovery and challenging advertising environment.”

Ms. Robinson said: “The New York Times Company has been my home for 28 years and I leave with mixed emotions. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with so many outstanding people over the years, and I am particularly proud of my role in helping to navigate through one of the most difficult periods in publishing history as we transitioned from traditional print journalism to the digital world. At the same time, the Company’s course is set and I am excited by new opportunities that await me.”

The Company is initiating a search for a new CEO and says will seek qualified candidates both internally and externally.