This week, Managing Editor John Corrigan is leaving the Business Journal, and try as I might, it’s hard to imagine the place without him.

John was the first person I hired two years ago. He was looking for a new challenge after several years at the Daily News, and I was looking for a seasoned journalist who knew L.A. and could energize a newsroom.

It has been a very good fit. John turned out to be hard working and dedicated, but even more important, he brought a professionalism that was sorely missing around here and which stands out as a big reason for our editorial success.

Professionalism is perhaps too stiff a description for this rough-and-tumble kind of guy, who was never afraid to ruffle a few feathers if it meant getting a better story. And pity the reporter unwilling to make that extra call John’s not one to take no for an answer.

So now he’s off to the Orange County Register those lucky so-and-sos. Best of luck, John; the Business Journal won’t be the same without you.

Mark Lacter

Editor