LA Times names new technology editor

Los Angeles Times business editor Kimi Yoshino sent out the following staff hire announcement on Thursday:

I’m thrilled to announce that Russ Mitchell, a widely admired and accomplished business journalist, is joining the Los Angeles Times as Technology Editor.

Russ will guide our coverage of Silicon Valley and the tech companies that have reshaped contemporary life (Facebook, Apple, Google and Twitter, among others). He’ll also write regularly, adding a fresh voice and analysis to the Tech Now blog.

Russ has a resume that won’t quit. He’s been managing editor of Wired magazine, a senior tech writer at U.S. News & World Report, executive editor of Business 2.0, San Francisco bureau chief for Business Week and senior staff writer at Conde Nast Portfolio.

He has covered health care, the Pentagon and the auto industry, distinguishing himself as a dogged reporter, elegant writer and keen thinker. The admirers he has collected over the years include James Fallows, who calls himself a “big fan.”

In addition to the publications listed above, Russ’ work has appeared in Fast Company, the Washington Post, the Atlantic and Fortune. Back in the day, he was a reporter for newspapers, including the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel and the Austin American-Statesman. Most recently, he freelanced and took time off to be a stay-at-home dad.

He will be based in the Bay Area, where he lives with his wife and daughter.

Russ has a tough act to follow. Peter Pae has guided the tech team skillfully for the last four years, through the rise of Silicon Beach, the explosion of social media and the Facebook IPO. Now, we’re entrusting to him an equally important coverage area: real estate. Peter will manage a team of reporters whose work regularly lands on A1. He will also help shape and launch a new Hot Property blog, which will build on Lauren Beale’s celebrity real estate news.

Please join me in welcoming Russ to The Times and in congratulating Peter on an exciting new assignment.