Leadership
KEITH CRAIN
CHAIRMAN
As chairman of Crain Communications Inc, Keith Crain is recognized internationally for his contributions in both the automotive and publishing industries.
Mr. Crain became publisher and editor-in-chief of Automotive News when Crain Communications purchased the publication in 1971. He then became publisher and editor-in-chief of Crain’s Detroit Business when it launched in 1985. One of his major accomplishments in his long career was the development of the Automotive News World Congress as an international forum for global business leaders to meet annually to discuss the most pressing issues facing the automotive industry. Mr. Crain also assisted in the development of the annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 1989. He went on to help with the launch of Automotive News Europe’s European World Congress in 1997.
Mr. Crain is a member of the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame and was Inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in July 2014.
In addition to his commitment to publishing excellence and contributions to the automotive industry, Mr. Crain is active in a myriad of civic and professional associations. His leadership positions include serving as chairman of the board of the College for Creative Studies. He also sits on the boards of The Concours d’Elegance of America, The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, Downtown Detroit Partnership, Gilmore Car Museum and the Automotive Hall of Fame.
Crain attended Northwestern University and holds honorary doctorate degrees from four universities.
KC CRAIN
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF Executive OFFICER
KC Crain is president and chief executive officer for Crain Communications Inc, overseeing the day-to-day operations of Crain Communications, as well as the company’s family of brands including Automotive News and Advertising Age.
Previously, he held roles of executive vice president and director of corporate operations, vice president, and group publisher. He started at Crain as a reporter for Automotive News.
Active in a number of civic and business activities, KC is board chair for the Detroit Children’s Fund. He also sits on the boards of the Young Presidents Organization, and the College for Creative Studies.
In addition to keen interests and influential connections throughout the automotive, tech and publishing industries, KC is dedicated to Detroit’s economic development with investments and partnerships in real estate and restaurant ventures.
KC Crain earned a B.A. in Communications from Denison University. He and his wife, Ashley, live in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., with their four children.
CHRISTOPHER CRAIN
SENIOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Christopher Crain is senior executive vice president for Crain Communications Inc, as well as group publisher of Staffing Industry Analysts Group.
Since 2005, Crain has also served as executive vice president and director of strategic operations, and associate publisher of Crain’s Detroit Business. As a strategic guide for the company, Crain is responsible for the implementation of new growth initiatives as well as the development of projects to broaden non-advertising revenues. These initiatives have included new events, marketing services products, internal reprint and brand licensing products, and subscription research products.
