Kevin Elder, who has been with Shaw Media for 37 years, has been named interim general manager of The Times effective Saturday.

Mike Bertok, who has been general manager since December 2015, announced his resignation last week.

“My time here in Ottawa has been wonderful. I am lucky to have been surrounded by such dedicated, loyal employees. More importantly, they are great people. I leave here with nothing but good memories.”

Bertok started with The Times in July 2009 as advertising director, and later took on the dual role of circulation director.

Shaw Media purchased The Times in April.

“Mike will be missed by both his colleagues at The Times and his new colleagues in Shaw Media. Mike did an excellent job helping us move through the recent ownership change and we are sorry to see him go. I am very appreciative of his efforts on our behalf and wish him great success in whatever the future holds,” said Shaw Media Vice President of Operations Don Bricker.

Bertok said Elder’s experience with the company will help with the continuing transition.

“Kevin has been with Shaw Media for a long time and understands the mechanics of the industry. I am certain that he will help make this transition a smooth one.”

Elder is currently vice president of shared services with Shaw, and has served as production manager and operations manager in previous years.

Elder said his role at The Times will be to maintain current operations during the interim.

“The Times has a great staff and leadership team. I’m not looking to come in and change things. Mike has been a great leader and I’m looking to just keep things moving and make sure the staff has the support they need.”

Elder noted he’s impressed with The Times market and is looking forward to his new role.

“Shaw picked this market for a reason; there’s so many positive things happening,” he said, specifically noting the revitalization of the Ottawa and Streator downtown areas.

“I’m excited to be a part of this.”