DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

Gannett Co. (GCI) said Chairman and Chief Executive Craig Dubow will take a temporary medical leave of absence after back surgery.

Chief Financial Officer Gracia C. Martore will serve as the publisher's principal executive officer until Dubow "is able to return to work," the company said.

In a statement, Dubow said he looks "forward to a full recovery."

"I am confident that Gracia and our strong, experienced management team will continue to execute our strategic plan while I am recovering," he added.

Gannett's shares closed Monday at $4.10, down 2.8%, amid a general market sell-off; they were inactive after hours.

-By Kathy Shwiff, Dow Jones Newswires; 201-938-5975; kathy.shwiff@dowjones.com