Industry Moves: Former LAT Publisher Joins Burkle; Rashtchy Leaving Piper

Former Times publisher Johnson takes job with Burkle’s Yucaipa Cos.: An interesting move for former LAT publisher Jeffrey M. Johnson, who joins the private equity firm headed by would-be LAT investor Ron Burkle. Johnson was forced out after he publicly defied Tribune Co. demands for deeper cuts. The LAT reports that he will be a principal in the firm and that he oversee existing media interests like the investment in Current TV while leading efforts “to explore additional media investment opportunities.” (Burkle was interviewed for Sunday’s NYT Magazine.)

Safa Rashtchy Leaving Piper Jaffray: After 10 years, influential tech analyst Safa Rashtchy is retiring from the sell side, as he put it in a client note reported on by Danny Sullivan. His last official day is June 30. He has yet to decide on the next step. The new internet and China team includes Aaron Kessler and Gene Munster.

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