WORCESTER—After nearly five decades at the center of Central Massachusetts business journalism, Worcester Business Journal CEO and publisher Peter Stanton says the time feels right to move on — even if leaving isn’t simple.
“It’s hard to know when it’s the right time to pass the baton,” Stanton said. “But at 68, I feel like I have the energy and focus to fully engage in my next chapter.”
Stanton is retiring at the end of January, closing out a 46-year career that helped build WBJ into one of New England’s most prominent independent business news organizations. A Holy Cross graduate who joined the upstart Worcester Magazine in 1979, Stanton was part of the team that launched Business Worcester in 1982 — the publication that eventually evolved into the Worcester Business Journal.
Before that launch, Worcester lacked a consistent, dedicated business publication. Under Stanton’s leadership, the WBJ not only filled that void but grew significantly. He kept the outlet locally owned as many regional publications were sold to private equity or media conglomerates.
“In a time where so many companies sell to private equity or much larger entities,” Stanton told the Worcester Guardian, “I’m pleased that WBJ will remain a small and focused organization deeply committed to its local markets.”
Stanton also oversaw the growth of WBJ’s parent company, New England Business Media, which expanded into other states — launching the Hartford Business Journal and acquiring Mainebiz. The small Worcester-based operation eventually became a respected multi-market business media network.
“We built a Worcester-based company with operations in Connecticut and Maine that has the scale to deliver quality content through print, digital and top-shelf events,” Stanton said.
Now the next stage of WBJ’s story falls to publishing executive Tom Curtin, who takes over as CEO and sole owner, and become publisher in February. Curtin, who has known Stanton for more than 20 years and became his business partner in 2020, currently runs the Hartford Business Journal.
“Peter was and is very passionate about the market,” Curtin said. “I would like to continue that passion.”
Stanton echoed his confidence in the transition: “Tom is an experienced business publisher with a great track record… Tom is committed to our ongoing success as an organization, across all our markets.”
Curtin said his first priority is strengthening relationships within the Central Massachusetts business community — attending events, meeting readers and advertisers, and ensuring WBJ continues to deliver the information the region needs. Lessons from Hartford, he said, reinforced “the need to be out in the market meeting with readers and advertisers.”
While Stanton is stepping away from day-to-day operations, he’s not disappearing from Worcester civic life. He’ll remain active on nonprofit boards and stay connected to the community he has covered for most of his adult life.
“I’m happy to know that WBJ will remain an independent voice,” Stanton said, “but we’re also here to recognize and write about outstanding leaders, top performing companies, and be a resource for and advocate of continued growth and prosperity in Worcester and the entire Central MA region.”
Caroline Lacy is an English student at Worcester State University, exploring journalism and storytelling, with a focus on culture and human-interest stories. She can be reached at clacy@worcester.edu.
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