The Los Angeles Business Journal formally named Hannah Welk as its editor-in-chief last week, making her the 45-year-old publication’s first woman in the role.
The job itself isn’t new for her or the department – she’s spent the past six months as interim editor, following the exit of Charlie Crumpley. Welk first joined the Business Journal in 2018 as a real estate reporter and said she was “honored” to take on the top role.
“Serving as the interim editor for the last six months has been an incredible experience and I’m excited to continue to build upon the publication’s legacy,” she added.
Welk, a 2014 graduate of USC, hit the ground running when she took on interim duties in late January and oversaw the Business Journal’s shift of its sister publication, the biweekly San Fernando Valley Business Journal, into the bimonthly Inside The Valley magazine.
“Working at a magazine was always a dream of mine and I was thrilled to be the editor during the launch of Inside The Valley,” she said. “I think Inside The Valley has a bright future and I am looking forward to continuing to lead the magazine.”
After joining the Sawtelle-based publication as a staff reporter, Welk was promoted to managing editor in 2022 and often worked closely with Crumpley – whose role was transitory as the two publications combined operations – in planning each week’s issue.
Josh Schimmels, the Business Journal’s publisher and chief executive, called Welk an “amazing asset” to the publication, hailing her passion for business journalism and “drive to set the bar higher.”
“Through our weekly print publication, newly launched magazine Inside The Valley, our robust digital offerings, in-person events, and our much-anticipated podcast series (episodes releasing in September), Hannah’s forward-looking approach will help us to continue to grow our brand in new ways, all while producing award-winning content in the weekly editions,” Schimmels said.
“I want to thank Josh for his leadership and for the opportunity to lead the publication,” Welk added. “I’d also like to recognize the reporters, photographers, editors and the production team who make the publication what it is. I’m incredibly proud of the product we create weekly.”
This marks the second major Los Angeles publication to have its first woman take over the editorial department this year. The El Segundo-based Los Angeles Times named Terry Tang as executive editor in April, following the abrupt departure of Kevin Merida amid significant layoffs.
Prior to joining the Business Journal, Welk was an associate editor for Internet Brands and wrote in the business section of the Orange County Register. She has also freelanced for Crain’s and The Real Deal.
Welk double-majored at USC in print and digital journalism, as well as East Asian languages and cultures. Her coursework saw her study for a semester at Peking University in China. A Chicago native, she lives in Westchester with her husband and dog. She is a Cubs fan and enjoys baking in her free time.
