Houston Chronicle hires digital business producer

Houston Chronicle business editor Al Lewis sent out the following staff hire announcement on Monday:

We are excited to announce that Brian Rausch — a veteran journalist, digital editor and web producer at the Chicago Tribune — will be joining the Houston Chronicle as digital business producer.

Brian is a native Chicagoan with 25 years journalism experience. He just completed his sixth year at the Chicago Tribune, where he has been the maestro of the newspaper’s tech/innovation digital vertical, Blue Sky. In this role, he edited stories for digital and print, served as design editor, Web producer and social media manager.

Previously, Brian worked seven years at the Sun-Times (as design editor and copy editor) and 10 years at the suburban Pioneer Press papers (reporter, design editor and managing editor). From 2006-2009, he fulfilled a dream to live in Mexico City, where he helped start an English language newspaper.

At the Chronicle, Brian will help curate our business journalism across the company’s digital platforms. Day to day, he will work with the business staff to help create, edit and manage media, including stories, videos and photos.

Further, Brian will play an important role as we develop ambitious new business digital verticals, while helping find new ways to maximize the potential of FuelFix.com – the Chronicle’s energy industry news website.

Outside of journalism, Brian is a rebel against Chicago sports teams, pledging his loyalty to the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues. He says he is eager to root for the Texans and Rockets. Apparently, the Astros will be a harder sell.

Brian’s first day at the Chronicle will be June 6.