David Pecker, CEO of National Enquirer publisher American Media Inc. and reportedly at the center of an investigation into hush-money payments allegedly made on behalf of President Donald Trump, has stepped down as director of Postmedia, a chain of Canadian newspapers.
“David Pecker has advised us of his resignation,” Peter Sharpe, lead director of the Postmedia board, said Tuesday in a short statement. “David noted that it is important for him to focus his efforts on ensuring that his businesses are best positioned for continued growth.”
The statement made no mention of Pecker, a longtime friend of Trump, reportedly being granted immunity by federal prosecutors probing ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen and Pecker allegedly helping to quash negative stories during the 2016 campaign.
The executive in charge of the National Enquirer had served on Postmedia’s board since October 2016. His departure is effective immediately.
“We would like to sincerely thank David for his dedication and contributions to Postmedia,” added Paul Godfrey, the executive chairman and CEO of the company, in a statement.
