Chairman, Crain Communications
Keith Crain is chairman of Crain Communications one of the country’s largest trade, consumer and business publishing companies. As a business leader, he has taken his publishing commitment one step further and has become one of the most active participants in a myriad of civic and business organizations. Crain’s first hand knowledge of publishing and business has assisted him in the development of the family owned company begun by his father in 1916. Since 1971, the company has grown from four titles to over 30 business, trade and consumer publications and news websites, and it employs approximately 850 people in 11 offices internationally. In addition to his role as editorial director, supervising several Crain publications, Crain also serves as editor-in-chief of Automotive News and of Crain’s Detroit Business. In this role, he uses his regular columns as a forum to address issues and support causes that concern Detroit and the automotive industry. Therefore, he is also widely recognized internationally for his contributions to the automotive industry. In 2002, Crain launched Automobilwoche (meaning Automobile Week). Named “Business Publication of the Year” in 2005 by the German trade press association, the German-language newspaper covers the entire new-vehicle industry, from suppliers to automakers to franchised dealers. Crain attended Northwestern University and holds honorary doctorate degrees from four universities. In addition to his commitment to publishing excellence and contributions to the automotive industry, he 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, a college of fine arts and design; chairman of the Legacy Board of the Detroit Medical Center; and trustee for the board of directors of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau; Downtown Detroit Partnership; Gilmore Car Museum; Automotive Hall of Fame; and the Boy Scouts of America.
