San Fran Chronicle biz editor explains his departure

San Francisco Chronicle business editor Ken Howe wrote to Talking Biz News to explain why he’s leaving the paper after being there for almost 20 years.

Howe wrote, “I’ve been at the Chronicle for one month shy of 20 years. Most of that time I was a banking and then later an energy reporter in the business section. In 1998 I moved to the Metro section to be an investigative reporter. In 2000 I was asked to take over the business section, a job I’ve enjoyed for the past 7 years.

“Soon, I’m moving to Hong Kong to work as a journalist covering China and Hong Kong. About a year ago I went to China on a short fellowship with the East West Center in Honolulu. It’s a cliche to say it, but it was a life-changing experience.

“I was astonished to see such a rapid, massive transformation of a country. It’s not as if I didn’t know this, but witnessing it is another thing entirely. And I instantly realized that, while I knew little of the culture and nothing of the language, I had an excellent background – in banking, finance, real estate, economics and public policy – to explore, understand and explain what was going on.

“I also knew that this was the biggest story I’d ever seen, and I knew I had to be a part of it. I’m looking at several job opportunities and I’ll let you know where I land.”

Howe is being replaced as the Chronicle’s business editor by deputy Alan Saracevic.