Aaron Kotarek has been named vice president/circulation at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

He has held several positions in the news industry, the latest being vice president of audience development at McClatchy’s Lexington Herald-Leader in Lexington, Ky. In that position, he was responsible for overall audience growth, revenue enhancement, digital platform engagement and distribution/transportation logistics for the company’s print and digital product portfolio.

"After a nationwide search that included many talented and experienced candidates, we are pleased that Aaron has agreed to join our senior management team," said Dennis Francis, president and publisher of the Star-Advertiser. "Aaron’s experience is deep in both print marketing and digital platforms."

Before the Herald-Leader, Kotarek was vice president of circulation and distribution operations at A.H. Belo’s Press-Enterprise in Riverside, Calif.

He also has held positions with several large media chains, including Thomson, Morris Communications, the Omaha World-Herald Co. and Ottaway-Dow Jones.

A former president of the Cal-Western Circulation Manager’s Association, Kotarek has served in numerous capacities with the Newspaper Association of America and is currently circulation division chairman for the Kentucky Press Association. He regularly speaks at industry events nationwide on topics ranging from top-line revenue growth to streamlining distribution logistics, digital engagement strategies and business transformation.