Forbes names Lane new editor

Forbes Media announced Tuesday that Randall Lane will join Forbes magazine as editor.

He replaces William Baldwin, who stepped down more than a year ago.

As the editor, Lane will be responsible for the editorial content development and meticulous editing that continues to differentiate Forbes in print.  He will also be charged with developing fresh ideas and recruiting new voices and writing talent to Forbes.  He will report to Lewis Dvorkin, chief product officer. He will join the company shortly after Labor Day.

“It’s rare in life that you get a chance to go home again,” said Lane in a statement. “To return to the place I started and edit one of America’s great, iconic magazines is both an honor and a thrill.”

Steve Forbes, editor-in-chief and chairman of Forbes Media, said: “Randall enthusiastically ‘gets’ the unique, positive role that Forbes magazine will play in this turbulent era for media. While many moan about the decline of print, Randall understands the great opportunities Forbes magazine offers by working hand in glove with Forbes.com, our website. The magazine does concise, substantive stories that are ‘fit’ for print. The web permits additional information and videos that can enhance these stories and engage contributors, visitors, and marketers in enlightening conversations.”

Dvorkin said of the new editor: “Randall is a highly experienced and accomplished business editor, author and reporter who deeply understands the Forbes brand and its mission. As the founder of several magazine startups, he’s got that entrepreneurial spirit.  His unique blend of talent and knowledge fits perfectly with where Forbes is headed.”

Lane, 43, worked at Forbes in a variety of positions — reporter, staff writer, and Washington bureau chief from 1991 to 1997, authoring five cover stories.

Most recently Lane was Editor at Large at Newsweek and The Daily Beast. Previously, he co-founded and served as editor-in-chief of a half dozen magazines, including P.O.V. (Adweek’s“Startup of the Year”), Trader Monthly, and Dealmaker. As a hobby, Lane, a certified sommelier, served as chief restaurant critic for Time Out New York, where he was a National Magazine Award finalist.  He is a frequent television commentator and the author, last year, of The Zeroes: My Misadventures in the Decade Wall Street Went Insane.

Lane graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in 1990.