Los Angeles Times Foreign Editor Bruce Wallace Departing

Los Angeles Times editor Davan Maharaj announced Wallace's departure Thursday in a staff memo

Bruce Wallace, the foreign editor of the Los Angeles Times, is leaving the newspaper for the Institute for Research on Public Policy in Ottawa, editor in chief Davan Maharaj announced in a staff memo on Thursday.

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Wallace has been with the Times since 2004, when he joined the paper as its Tokyo correspondent. The native Canadian took over as foreign editor in 2008, overseeing coverage of the tsunami in Japan, drug wars in Mexico and unrest across the Arab world.

“During his four years as foreign editor, he guided what is, for my money, one of the strongest foreign staffs in journalism, providing daily and enterprise coverage for the entire Tribune family that was constantly fresh and innovative, both on World Now and in the paper,” Maharaj wrote.

Wallace’s last day will be July 13. Starting July 14, Mark Porubcansky will take over as acting foreign editor. Porubcansky has been deputy foreign editor over the last five years. He previously worked at the Associated Press.

Wallace's departure is the latest staff change at the newspaper, which remains in Chapter 11 for more than three years.

Sallie Hofmeister, assistant managing editor for arts & entertainment, announced last week that she would be leaving. Her last day is Friday. Maharaj announced Wednesday that Business Editor John Corrigan will take over as assistant managing editor for arts & entertainment, while former L.A. Weekly editor Laurie Ochoa was hired as arts & entertainment editor. Mary McNamara, one of two television critics, was named senior culture editor.

Here's the memo:

From: Maharaj, Davan
Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2012 2:03 PM
To: yyeditall
Subject: Bruce Wallace

Comrades,

Bruce Wallace, our foreign editor since 2008, has decided to leave The Times to take a job with the Institute for Research on Public Policy, in Ottawa.

We're all very sorry to see Bruce leave, though we can understand his desire to return to his native Canada. He's been a terrific colleague and newsroom leader.

Bruce joined the staff as our Tokyo correspondent in 2004, though his work appeared earlier in the paper from London as a stringer. During his four years as foreign editor, he guided what is, for my money, one of the strongest foreign staffs in journalism, providing daily and enterprise coverage for the entire Tribune family that was constantly fresh and innovative, both on World Now and in the paper. Bruce guided our correspondents to inspired coverage of the earthquake in Haiti, the tsunami in Japan, drug wars in Mexico and uprisings across the Arab world, among many other major stories. He will be missed.

Bruce won't be leaving until July 13, so you'll have an opportunity to wish him well.

I’m pleased to announce that Mark Porubcansky will serve as acting foreign editor, starting July 14.

Mark has served with distinction as deputy foreign editor for the last five years. An incisive mind, a deft pencil, deep knowledge of international affairs and coolness under fire are among the qualities that have made him an invaluable presence on the foreign desk.

Mark also has serious chops as a reporter, having carried a notebook across Russia, the Balkans and many other places for the Associated Press.

Our global coverage has always been an essential part of The Times and our commitment to it remains undiminished. The search for a permanent replacement for Bruce will begin immediately.

 –Davan

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