• by Joe Mandese  @mp_joemandese, July 29, 2013

Bloomberg LP has named Justin Smith CEO of Bloomberg Media Group, the unit that comprises Bloomberg’s television, radio, magazine, conferences and digital businesses, succeeding Andrew Lack, who becomes chairman of the group.

Smith joins from Atlantic Media, where he was president and was the key architect of its transformation from a print-centric to a digitally focused publisher. While at Atlantic Media, he oversaw the launch of several new digital titles, including Quartz and Defense One.

In an effusive memo issued Sunday as news about Smith was beginning to circulate, Atlantic Media Chairman David Bradley stated: “Justin will leave us a changed -- and much better -- media company,” adding: “After reflection, I've decided that, rather than appoint a Justin successor, we will let the current leadership continue independent of any reporting structure -- save to me -- and grow to fill the empty spaces Justin's departure leaves behind.”

Before joining Atlantic Media in 2007, Smith served as president and publisher of snarky news digest magazine The Week, where he launched the U.S. edition in 2001. He joined The Week from The Economist Group, where he was head of corporate strategy in London, Hong Kong and in New York.

Smith, who officially joins Bloomberg LLP on Sept. 16, will report to CEO and President Daniel Doctoroff.