This year is in the rear-view mirror, and while it can be useful to reflect on lessons learned from the ups and downs of 2021, it’s more productive to do that while also planning for 2022.
 
Looking ahead, optimism for next year is not unwarranted as various industries continue to rebound. Covid variants could continue to interrupt that progress, of course, or they could inspire new innovations to stop the spread or make complying with safety protocols easier.

To help with your 2022 planning, read through the Year Ahead Special Report starting on page 17, which includes a roadmap highlighting some of the events, requirements going into effect, and development and infrastructure project openings that will likely impact local businesses. The package also includes a look at trends in industries such as media and real estate as well as the supply chain issues that will carry well into 2022. As you consider what’s ahead, perhaps something you read will spark an idea for a collaboration, marketing campaign or new business opportunity.

Be sure to also get a copy of the Business Journal’s annual special edition, The Lists, which will publish Dec. 27. This resource is full of information on companies, leaders and industry rankings that will be useful throughout 2022.
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And wrapping up the year with the latest comings and goings … The Los Angeles County Fair Association board, which oversees the L.A. County Fair and Fairplex campus, named Walter Marquez president and chief executive. He joined Fairplex in 2018 and has served as interim chief executive since January. …
 
Pittsburgh-based PNC Bank named Todd Wilson regional president for the greater Los Angeles metro area. He has worked in senior executive finance roles for 25 years and was a managing director for the city of Los Angeles from 2010 to 2011. …
 
Santa Monica-based Universal Music Group expanded its C-suite with the addition of Naras Eechambadi as chief data and analytics officer and Alexandra Hinkle as chief marketing officer, global consumer marketing. … Culver City-based cannabis dispensary chain and delivery service MedMen appointed Michael Serruya chairman and interim chief executive. He joined the company’s board in August as part of Serruya Private Equity’s $100 million investment in MedMen’s expansion.