About Peter
Peter Bhatia
Fractional Leadership Advisor
The Proper Group Executive
Peter Bhatia is a transformational leader, organizational builder, and journalism pioneer with more than five decades of experience guiding institutions through disruption, renewal, and growth. He has led or helped lead newsrooms to 10 Pulitzer Prizes, revitalized legacy organizations across the country, and launched nonprofit ventures that expanded access to accountability journalism.
Peter is the first journalist of South Asian heritage to lead a major U.S. daily newspaper, serving as editor of The Oregonian and later leading the Detroit Free Press through one of the most successful digital transformations in its history. Under his leadership, the Free Press expanded investigative reporting, grew digital audiences to record levels, and reinvigorated its role as a trusted civic institution. Earlier, as editor of The Cincinnati Enquirer, he helped guide the newsroom to its first-ever Pulitzer Prize for coverage of the opioid epidemic.
As CEO of Houston Landing, a nonprofit startup news organization, Peter implemented board-approved growth strategies, strengthened community engagement, and positioned the venture at the forefront of digital accountability reporting. He currently serves as a Professional in Residence at Penn State University’s Bellisario College of Communications, where he teaches journalism ethics and American journalism, continuing his long commitment to education and leadership development.
Beyond the newsroom, Peter has played a central role in shaping the future of journalism. He has served as President of the American Society of News Editors and as long-time President of the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, overseeing standards and innovations in journalism education worldwide. He has been honored with numerous awards, including the Benjamin C. Bradlee Editor of the Year (2020), the Robert G. McGruder Diversity Award (2018), and the Gerald M. Sass Award for service to journalism education (2022).
Known for his candor, compassion, and clarity, Peter helps organizations build cultures of integrity and excellence. His leadership philosophy combines ethical governance, collaborative strategy, and mission-driven performance — ensuring that organizations not only survive disruption but thrive because of it.
Comprehensive Offerings:
Organizational Leadership & Transformation
- Designing and executing turnaround strategies that reinvigorate legacy organizations
- Building consensus-driven leadership models that align teams with mission and goals
- Leading institutions through high-stakes transitions with clarity, candor, and collaboration
Ethics & Governance
- Establishing frameworks for integrity, accountability, and sustainable decision-making
- Advising boards, executives, and leadership teams on governance and ethical alignment
- Navigating restructuring and sensitive organizational change with transparency and compassion
Media & Communications Strategy
- Transforming traditional operations into resilient, future-ready organizations
- Integrating storytelling, digital strategy, and community engagement to expand impact
- Developing communications systems that strengthen both culture and reputation
Change Management & Renewal
- Turning complex challenges into growth opportunities through structured change processes
- Leading organizations through culture shifts, operational pivots, and strategic redesigns
- Building human-centered solutions that inspire resilience and long-term results
Education, Mentorship & Accreditation
- Teaching and mentoring leaders to develop next-generation capabilities
- Shaping standards for journalism and organizational education worldwide
- Guiding institutions through accreditation, curriculum development, and leadership training
📍 Based in Scottsdale, AZ & State College, PA – working nationally and globally
🗓 Book a complimentary consultation
📧 pbhatia@theproper.group