John Micklethwait, editor-in-chief of The Economist since 2006, will assume that position at Bloomberg in New York in January.

He will take over for Matt Winkler, founding editor of Bloomberg News. The 25-year veteran of Bloomberg will become e-i-c emeritus and conduct high-profile interviews and provide editorial counsel.

Mike Bloomberg, who has resumed command of the operation, said Winker "has accomplished more than either of us thought possible" and "set a new standard for journalistic excellence."

Micklethwait, according to Bloomberg, is "one of the world's smartest thinkers on the forces of globalization" and a "perfect fit" for the company.

He joined the British publication in 1987 from Chase Manhattan Bank. Prior to the e-i-c position, Micklethwait was business and US editor.

The most recent of his five books is called "The Fourth Revolution: The Global Race to Reinvent the State."

At Bloomberg, Micklethwait will oversee 2,500 reporters and editors in 150 bureaus across the global.

He'll report to Mike Bloomberg on business and policy matters and work closely with Justin Smith, CEO of Bloomberg Media Group.