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The Post Company’s long-term-minded outlook has been shaped by a board of
directors that plays an active role. I ask their advice frequently, during meetings and
between times.
I am sorry to report that Dick Simmons will retire from the board after our annual meet-
ing in May. Dick was the president and chief operating officer of the company from 1981
to 1991, working with Katharine Graham. His contributions to today’s company have
been huge and are easily summarized: Dick acquired Kaplan; he and Kay also acquired
Cable ONE.
That would be enough, but what Dick brought to the company was even more important.
To quote from Kay Graham: “Dick Simmons’s arrival helped make the decade of the
1980s the best years from a business point of view both for the Company and for me….
Working became a pleasure again. During his tenure, earnings per share grew at an annual
compounded rate of 22.5% and return on equity averaged 26%.”
We’re lucky enough to add two more strong directors: Lee Bollinger, president of
Columbia University, and Anne Mulcahy, CEO of Xerox. Lee and Anne are welcome
additions to a remarkable board.
Donald E. Graham
Chairman of the Board
Chief Executive Officer
February 26, 2008
2007 Annual Report 11