Fred Groser, Newsday publisher, to retire at year's end

Newsday publisher Fred Groser on Monday announced his retirement, effective Dec. 31.

Groser, in an email message sent to employees, said the newspaper's owner, Cablevision Systems Corp., "will be conducting a search for a new publisher."

Groser, 58, was tapped to lead Newsday in July 2010 after several months as senior vice president of sales. He joined the company from ypONE Enterprises, the Houston-based telephone directory publisher, where he was chief executive.

"This was a very tough decision for me; on one hand, I am looking forward to the flexibility of pursuing new ventures and spending more time with my family, and on the other hand, I'll be leaving a job I've loved at one of the most amazing organizations I've known in my long career," he said.

Under Groser, who delivered Newsday as a teenager in West Islip, the paper has expanded its desktop, tablet and smartphone offerings for readers and advertisers. It also has staged events and raised money for the community, including rebuilding efforts after superstorm Sandy.

He serves on the board of directors of the Long Island Association business group.