New editor at Philly mag

Patrick Kerkstra, a deputy editor at Philadelphia magazine, will become the monthly publication's editor in a restructuring that will result in the departure of three staff members.

Metro Corp., publisher of Philadelphia as well as Boston magazine, also announced it would create a new content studio to be called CityStudio for both publications.

Tom McGrath, the current editor of Philadelphia, will become chief content and strategy officer for Metro Corp. and will oversee the launch of CityStudio, which, Metro Corp said, will debut in the first quarter of 2016.

Kerkstra, who will oversee all editorial aspects of Philadelphia's print and web products, will report to McGrath, the company said.

A former Inquirer reporter, Kerkstra also has been editor of @CitifiedPHL, Philadelphia magazine's Twitter feed and politics blog.

"As the world evolves, it is essential that we evolve with it," said David Lipson, chairman and CEO of Metro Corp. "I strongly believe the changes we're making will allow us to thrive going forward."

Lipson said three full time positions at Philadelphia were eliminated as part of the restructuring.

Sources identified those leaving as staff writer Liz Spikol, Josh Middleton, an entertainment writer at Phillymag.com, and Jack Cotter, the magazine's social media manager.

Metro Corp. said CityStudio will streamline the company's custom publishing and native advertising operations. with the goal of helping "advertisers and marketers in each city create content that resonates with audiences."

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Tom McGrath's new position. He will be chief content and strategy officer, not chief operating officer.