Bloomberg LP has named Justin Smith CEO of Bloomberg Media
Group, the unit that comprises Bloomberg’s television, radio, magazine,
conferences and digital businesses, succeeding Andrew Lack, who becomes
chairman of the group. Smith joins from Atlantic Media, where he was president
and was the key architect of its transformation from a print-centric to a
digitally focused publisher. While at Atlantic Media, he oversaw the launch of
several new digital titles, including Quartz and Defense One.
In an effusive memo issued Sunday as news about Smith was
beginning to circulate, Atlantic Media Chairman David Bradley stated: “Justin
will leave us a changed -- and much better -- media company,” adding: “After
reflection, I've decided that, rather than appoint a Justin successor, we will
let the current leadership continue independent of any reporting structure --
save to me -- and grow to fill the empty spaces Justin's departure leaves
behind.” Before joining Atlantic Media in 2007, Smith served as president and
publisher of snarky news digest magazine The Week, where he launched the U.S.
edition in 2001.