Bill Johnson

Bill Johnson is a prominent figure in Bay Area journalism and media, closely associated with Embarcadero Media. Here are the key details about him:

Career at Embarcadero Media

Bill Johnson founded the Palo Alto Weekly at the age of 26.3 He went on to establish Embarcadero Media (originally named The Embarcadero Publishing Company) in 1979.2 Johnson served as the President and CEO of Embarcadero Media for many years.24

In 2022, Johnson announced his retirement from the roles of President and CEO, transitioning to the position of Executive Chairman of Embarcadero Media.12 He was succeeded as CEO by Adam Dawes, while Johnson remained chairman of the board of directors.2

Background and Experience

• Born and raised in the Palo Alto area3
• Attended Stanford University3
• Has extensive experience in the media industry

Recent Developments

Johnson has been actively involved in Embarcadero Media's transition from a for-profit company to a nonprofit organization, which was announced in late 2023.1 This transition was prompted by declining advertising revenues and challenges facing the news industry. Johnson has emphasized the importance of community support and engagement in this new model.1

Current Role

As of the most recent information available, Bill Johnson serves as the Executive Chairman of Embarcadero Media.13 In this capacity, he continues to play a significant role in shaping the company's strategy and its relationship with the communities it serves.