TORONTO - John Cruickshank, a veteran media industry executive and most recently chief of CBC News, has been appointed publisher of the Toronto Star, Canada's largest daily newspaper by circulation.

Cruickshank, 55, will replace Jagoda Pike, the first female publisher of the Star, who left the paper in September to help lead Ontario's bid for the 2015 Pan American Games.

Robert Prichard, president and CEO of the paper's parent Torstar Corp. (TSX:TS.B), said Cruickshank is well suited to lead the Star through "difficult times."

"He brings to the Toronto Star a commitment to journalism of the highest quality, a determination to deal with difficult times and a confidence that there are winning opportunities ahead," Prichard said Wednesday in an internal memo to staff.

Cruickshank, who will become the ninth publisher in the newspaper's 116-year history, has held managerial positions at several publications, including the Chicago Sun-Times, the Globe and Mail and the Vancouver Sun.

Chief of CBC News for just 14 months, Cruickshank joins the Star Jan. 1.

"John Cruickshank is a publisher's publisher -- smart, passionate and committed to great journalism," stated John Honderich, former Star publisher and chair of the Torstar Voting Trust that controls the Toronto-based media company.

"His continent-wide experience, proven integrity and leadership ability make him ideal to lead the Star in these challenging times."

The CBC said Cruickshank was instrumental in integrating the news service's television, radio and Internet operations, as well as expanding regional programming.

"John has made a significant contribution to CBC News as it has continued its process of evolution and renewal into a fully integrated, multi-platform national news organization," said Richard Stursberg, executive vice-president of English services at the CBC.

"We consider the Toronto Star's win to be our loss, of course, but John leaves a first-class team well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future."

Jennifer McGuire, currently executive director of news programming, will become interim publisher at CBC News.

Cruickshank comes to the Star at a time of flux for the newspaper industry, which has been squeezed by the loss of advertising revenue from the slumping economy, declining readership and competition for readers and advertisers from Internet news and other  services.