Mark Lacter has been the editor of the L.A. Business Journal for almost nine years, with a two-year break (ending in 2001) as a senior editor at Forbes. He told the staff this morning that he will exit at the end of the year, with no real plans. He did hint at a career turn of some sort and the possibility of an unstated "future role" in the paper. He will stay on while a new editor is selected. Lacter was previously business editor and editorial pages editor at the Daily News, wrote an award-winning column distributed by The New York Times News Service, and worked at the San Francisco Chronicle and Investor’s Business Daily. From todays LABJ statement:

“Editing the Business Journal has truly been one of the highlights of my career and I am so proud of what our newsroom has accomplished over the years,” Lacter said. “We have become the leading source of local business news in Los Angeles and I take great satisfaction from that. So should all our editors and reporters, past and present.”

[skip]

“Whatever areas I decide to pursue,” Lacter said, “my focus is likely to be on Los Angeles and business, the two things I know a fair amount about. But I want to try my hand at other worlds, too.”

[skip]

Under Lacter’s stewardship, the Los Angeles Business Journal has been recognized repeatedly as one of the nation’s most accomplished regional business publications. It’s been named five times as “Best in Business” by the Society of American Business Editors and Writers. This year, it was named the nation’s best regional business publication by the Association of Area Business Publications.

All told, the paper has received more than 80 awards and commendations during Lacter’s tenure as editor.

“Mark has been the driving force with respect to raising the journalistic standards and the quality of the Los Angeles Business Journal,” said [publisher Matthew A.] Toledo. “I can’t remember a time when I worked with an editor other than Mark, and although he intends to have an ongoing role with the paper, I certainly will miss having him at the helm of the newsroom on a day-to-day basis.”

Managing Editor Tony Palazzo also left this month for Bloomberg News. With the departure of Jonathan Diamond earlier in the year to work for City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, the LABJ will end 2005 with a complete turnover of the senior editors in place at the start of the year. The Journalism Jobs posting for Lacter's position says candidates "must have at least 7 years of business editing and reporting experience as well as demonstrated expertise on the subject of business." The full posting follows:

From Journalism Jobs:

Company: Los Angeles Business Journal
Position: Editor
Location: Los Angeles, California
Job Status: Full-time
Salary: Negotiable
Ad Expires: December 2, 2005
Job ID: 568785

Description: Editor Los Angeles Business Journal

The award winning Los Angeles Business Journal is looking for an editor to continue the legacy of producing one of nation’s best regional business newspapers. The qualified candidate must have at least 7 years of business editing and reporting experience as well as demonstrated expertise on the subject of business. Candidates must have strong leadership skills and experience of producing news items for both for print and online environments. Candidates that also have experience as a business columnist will be preferred.

Please mail resume, clips and a cover letter that cites specific qualifications for this position to Matthew A. Toledo, President, Publisher, Los Angeles Business Journal, 5700 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 170, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Or email to Beth Theriac at btheriac@labusinessjournal.com. No phone calls please.