Metro Corp. Announces Restructuring
PHILADELPHIA – January 5, 2016 — Metro Corp., publisher of Boston and Philadelphia magazines, today announced a restructuring designed to address the changing media environment and position the company for future growth.
David Lipson, chairman and CEO of Metro Corp., said the changes include new roles for several members of the company and the creation of a new content studio. “Metro Corp. has responded boldly to the changing media landscape in the last few years, particularly with the growth of our digital and events businesses,” he said. “As the world evolves, it is essential that we evolve with it. I strongly believe the changes we’re making will allow us to thrive going forward.”
Tom McGrath, editor of Philadelphia, has been promoted to Chief Content and Strategy Officer for Metro Corp. McGrath will oversee editorial and corporate strategy. In addition he’ll help launch the newly created content studio, CityStudio, which will debut in the first quarter of 2016.
At Philadelphia, Patrick Kerkstra has been promoted to editor. Kerkstra, who launched the magazine’s highly praised Citified channel last year, joined the publication as deputy editor in 2014. He’ll oversee all editorial aspects of Philadelphia’s print and web products and report to McGrath.
As part of the restructuring today, Lipson also said the company eliminated seven of its 134 full-time positions. “It’s always painful to eliminate positions,” said Lipson. “We thank those impacted for their hard work on behalf of Metro Corp.”
In addition to its award-winning print titles, in recent years Metro Corp. has seen robust growth with its digital properties, bostonmagazine.com and phillymag.com. Lipson said the company is more committed than ever to serving its audiences with award-winning journalism and strong editorial products.
City Studio, Metro Corp.’s new content studio, will streamline the company’s custom publishing and native advertising operations. Lipson said the goal is to help advertisers and marketers in each city create content that resonates with audiences.
