Bloomberg Media Group has hired Justin Smith, architect of Atlantic Media's digital strategy, as president/CEO effective Sept. 16.

He takes over for five-year chief Andrew Lack, who will become chairman.

Smith transformed venerable magazine The Atlantic into a digital-focused media property.

He also introduced Quartz (politics, culture, public affairs) and Defense One (military strategy, contractor, federal Washington) platforms.

Dan Doctoroff, Bloomberg LP CEO, said Smith knows how to disrupt markets, innovate and invests in places where others don’t.

"His deep understanding of the media and vision for its future makes him an ideal fit at Bloomberg as we continue to transform and expand our media businesses worldwide," said Doctoroff in a statement.

Smith joined AM in 2007.

Earlier, he was publisher of The Week, corporate strategy chief at The Economist and U.S. State Dept. staffer in Africa and D.C.