Jonathan Karp has been appointed Executive Director of Asia Society Southern California, effective January 15, 2014. Jonathan comes to Asia Society after a distinguished career in journalism, including a decade of reporting in Asia. Most recently, Jonathan served as Senior Editor at Marketplace Radio, leading the business coverage for their family of public radio shows.

“Jonathan Karp brings extensive knowledge of international business issues, which he will put to use to make Asia Society Southern California a hub for economic programs,” says Asia Society Southern California Chairman Thomas E. McLain. “Likewise, Jonathan brings a deep commitment to our cultural and educational mission and is eager to create a vibrant range of Asia Society offerings in the Los Angeles area, as well as to contribute to global Asia Society initiatives.”

Karp will lead and organize Asia Society Southern California activities such as the Entertainment & Media in Asia programs—including the signature China Film Summit—and events celebrating innovative and visionary leaders who are building bridges between the U.S. and Asia. In addition, Karp will also help advance global Asia Society projects such as the Pacific Cities Sustainability Initiative (PCSI). 

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Asia Society in a city that embodies the dynamic relationship between Asia and the United States,” said Karp. “I can’t wait to delve back into Asian and international issues.”

Karp began his journalism career in Israel in 1986 and continued as a foreign correspondent based in Hong Kong, New Delhi and Sao Paulo, Brazil, the last two posts as a staff writer for The Wall Street Journal. In 2004, he moved with the Journal to Los Angeles, where he has lived since, with his wife and twin daughter and son. Karp studied Middle Eastern History at Princeton.

About Asia Society Southern California
Asia Society Southern California is the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan, pan Asian organization dedicated to strengthening relationships and promoting understanding among the people of Southern California and Asia/Pacific. Established in Los Angeles in 1985, and with a large and diverse Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) population throughout Southern California, ASSC is ideally situated at the gateway to Asia/Pacific. ASSC has played a pivotal role through creative programs and activities in increasing shared knowledge, enhancing dialogue and furthering cultural exchanges transcending regional boundaries.

Founded in 1956, the Asia Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit educational institution with offices in Hong Kong, Houston, Los Angeles, Manila, Mumbai, New York, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney and Washington, DC.