Jeff Simpson

Media executive Jeff Simpson was named publisher and president of the Deseret News in September 2017. At the time of his appointment he was a Deseret News board member and president of Deseret Book, a position he maintained.

He shepherded both organizations through key transitions, including the end of the Deseret News’ Joint Operating Agreement with the Salt Lake Tribune and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic at Deseret Book.

He began his career working at Walt Disney Pictures and Buena Vista Television. He went on to build Excel Entertainment Group, which became part of Deseret Book in 2004, and Simpson then became executive vice president and COO. He has also served as president and CEO of Bonneville International.

Simpson is a graduate of Brigham Young University. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Church announced in February 2021 that Simpson had been called to preside over the Washington Yakima Mission. He and his wife, Karen, will begin their service in July. They are the parents of three children.

Simpson has served in the Church as stake missionary preparation instructor, stake president, stake Young Men president, bishop, elders quorum president, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and ward Young Men president. He served as a missionary in Seoul Korea. He was born in Ogden, Utah.