Tech editor Watanabe leaving Seattle Times

Mark Watanabe, the tech editor of the Seattle Times, is leaving the paper via its recent buyout offer.

Watanabe has been the tech editor of the paper since January 1999, supervising reporters and freelancers covering  technology and the business of technology, including Amazon.com and Microsoft.

His last day is scheduled to be Feb. 3.

“I’m not certain what I’m doing in the next phase of my life, but I’m looking forward to it,” said Watanabe in an email to Talking Biz News. “The Times has been an outstanding place to work; I couldn’t have asked for better colleagues or a greater commitment to journalism. Plus, I’ve been lucky to have a front-row seat for most of my time here to witnessing the momentous transformations technology has brought to this area and the world. It’s been a great ride.”

Before that, Watanabe was the assistant metro editor and a special projects editor at the Times, which he joined in 1989.

Before that, Watanabe was the managing editor and the business and production manager for the Chicago Times magazine, which is now defunct. He also spent two years — 1985 to 1987 — at the Times as a copy editor.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern and a master’s degree in history from UCLA.