Changes announced at Philly Inquirer business desk

Philadelphia Inquirer business editor Tony Gnoffo sent the following e-mail memo announcing changes on the business desk:

“You may already have noticed some of these moves on the Business Desk. Most of these announcements are a bit overdue:

“Now that he has finished writing the lion’s share of our Top 100 Companies special section, Joe DiStefano will take on a new beat we’re calling ‘Deals.’ He will cover commercial development plans and the behind-the-scenes investors who shape Philadelphia business. He will also support other beat reporters writing about corporate deals such as acquisitions and asset sales.

“Bob Fernandez, who has been explaining the regional economy to our readers for more than 10 years, will now explain Comcast and the world of communications and media.

“You’ve probably already noticed Maria Panaritis is working with our department on a temporary basis to cover consumer products and retail during the holiday shopping season.

“Finally, I’m delighted to report that Rhonda Dickey will return to the Business Desk on Monday, Dec. 10, as late editor to handle updates, late-breaking stories, and compile the daily Business News in Brief column and other essential components of our 7-day-per-week business report.”