Purchase agreement signed today by U-T San Diego and Tribune Publishing combines the U-T with the Los Angeles Times with both papers to remain separate brands

San Diego, Calif. — Papa Doug Manchester, owner and publisher of U-T San Diego, has agreed to sell the multimedia enterprise to Tribune Publishing, owner of the Los Angeles Times, combining two of Southern California’s oldest and most recognizable media companies, executives announced Thursday.
“It has been my great privilege to own the San Diego Union-Tribune, the oldest business in San Diego and a very special part of our community,” said Papa Doug Manchester. “Like every business I have undertaken, I have enjoyed providing opportunities for others, creating positive experiences, and being a cheerleader for the good of our community. It has been important for me to speak out positively on a local, national and international level, particularly in denouncing Christian genocide and other oppression throughout the world.”

Manchester added, “As publisher, my motive always was to do what was right for our city and our country. I’m proud to have been associated with the U-T, and I’m proud to leave it in the hands of Tribune Publishing, which brings a tradition of journalistic excellence along with the resources that will ensure a successful future.”

San Diego, Calif. — Tom Voss has been named as president of Manchester Hospitality Group, a subsidiary of Manchester Financial Group, reporting to MFG president and CEO, Richard Gibbons and “Papa” Doug Manchester, chairman of MFG, the parent company. Voss will work closely with the Manchester Financial Group’s executive team to identify investment opportunities and coordinate significant real estate projects including the development of Fairmont Austin in Austin, Texas, and Manchester Pacific Gateway, a $1.3 billion multiuse redevelopment project of the Navy Broadway Complex at the downtown San Diego waterfront.  This project includes hotels, offices and retail space, plus a navy office building.

With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Voss previously served as president of Manchester Grand Resorts where he spearheaded operations and development at The Grand Del Mar. Prior to that, he was executive assistant manager and director of food and beverage at Hyatt Regency San Diego (now Manchester Grand Hyatt) from its opening in 1992 until 1998, when he was promoted to general manager of Grand Hyatt Atlanta and Hyatt Regency Greenville. In 2004, he returned to San Diego as general manager of Manchester Grand Hyatt. Prior to his Hyatt experience, Voss was with Starwood Hotels and ITT Sheraton, working at upscale properties in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

“I am very pleased and honored that Tom, whom I’ve worked with since 1990, will be continuing with the Manchester Financial Group and executive team representing Manchester Hospitality Group as president,” said Manchester. “I applaud Tom for his incredible work in consistently positioning The Grand Del Mar property as a triple Forbes Five-Star resort year after year. Tom will continue to represent our ownership interest in the Grand Del Mar and will also work with the Austin Fairmont mega 1066-room hotel in its final planning.”

Voss, born and raised in Hamburg, Germany, grew up working in his family’s oceanfront golf resort and has since had an industry career that encompasses hotel marketing, operations, staff development and guest services. Fluent in English, German and French, Voss earned a Bachelor of Science degree in hotel administration from the University of Kiel Germany and completed graduate studies in hotel administration at Cornell University.