Active Interest Media has named Gary Reich editor-in-chief of Soundings Trade Only. Reich replaces Jeff Moser, who assumes the editor-in-chief position at sister magazine PassageMaker.

“It speaks volumes about the breadth and depth of our bench at our marine titles that the ideal candidate to fill the Trade Only role would come from within,” said Gary DeSanctis, president of the AIM Marine Group. “Having worked with Gary for several years, I know that his passion and knowledge for the marine industry will keep STO as the leading B2B publication covering the business of boating and push the title to new heights.”

Most recently, Reich split his time between two Active Interest Media titles as managing editor of Anglers Journal and senior editor of Soundings. (Soundings Trade Only, Anglers Journal and PassageMaker are part of the AIM Marine Group.)

“Gary is one of the saltiest people I have the pleasure of knowing, with a resumé as interesting as he is,” Moser said. “He’s done stints as a rigger at a full-service chandlery and run wholesale units for marine retailers, was a service manager on the dealer side and was managing editor at Waterway Guide and then a full-time freelance writer/editor before coming to Active Interest Media five years ago. He’s a natural fit for the role.”

Added Anglers Journal editor-in-chief William Sisson: “Gary is a talented reporter and writer who knows his way around boats and the industry,” said Sisson, who also is Marine Group vice president and editorial director. “He’s a former liveaboard who has tested scores of boats and knows the trends in design, propulsion, electronics, demographics and more. We’re happy to have him at the helm of Trade Only.”

Reich said he saw his first copy of Soundings Trade Only on the lunchroom table at Fawcett Boat Supplies, “an old-school, full-service ship’s chandlery in Annapolis, Md., where I started my career in the marine industry more than 30 years ago as a sales clerk,” he said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled and humbled to have the opportunity to take the wheel of such a storied publication. I look forward to connecting with all of you as I get my sea legs and guide Soundings Trade Only into what I know will be an exciting and bright future.”