Crain’s Detroit undergoes restructuring, editor Smith leaving

Crain’s Detroit Business announced a restructuring that will result in a digital-first focus and the departure of editor Jeannette Smith and other editorial staffers.

A story on its website states, “Smith said her decision to leave freed resources to make the new hires for the newsgathering plan she helped to create. ‘I’m very proud I was here to help shape it,’ she said. Smith plans to seek a ‘second act’ career that taps her skills in communications, marketing, business strategy, tactical operations management and/or project management. ‘I’m excited to think about an interesting and challenging leadership role,’ she said.

“Along with the restructuring, Kramer announced other changes including:

• Lisa Rudy, previously general sales manager at WWJ 950 AM, will succeed Matt Langan as advertising sales director. Langan is retiring at the end of the year.
• Dan Duggan, managing editor of custom and special projects, is leaving to join the commercial real estate firm Bernard Financial Group as a vice president in the Southfield-based loan origination group.
• Duggan will be succeeded by Kristin Bull, currently assistant managing editor. Bull will oversee the creation and production of customized content on behalf of advertising clients.
• In the newsroom, veteran reporter Tom Henderson, who covered the finance and technology beats for the past 10 years, is retiring but will continue to work on major projects in 2017.
• Gary Piatek, senior editor, and Chad Halcom, litigation, education and defense industry reporter, are also leaving as part of the reorganization.

Read more here.