New York Times promotes Pulitzer Prize awardee Joe Kahn to executive editor role

The New York Times, an American daily newspaper based in New York City with a worldwide readership, announced the appointment of its new executive editor. It promoted its managing editor John F. Kahn to the highest newsroom role in the company.

The New York Times reported that its publisher, A.G. Sulzberger made the announcement on Tuesday, April 19. The 57-year-old Pulitzer Prize awardee for international reporting is currently the second-highest-ranking editor at The Times, and now he will be taking one of the most dynamic posts in the American and global news business.

“For many people, especially those who have worked alongside Joe, a brilliant journalist and a brave and principled leader, this announcement will come as no surprise,” Sulzberger wrote in a note addressed to the paper’s staff. “Joe brings impeccable news judgment, a sophisticated understanding of the forces shaping the world and a long track record of helping journalists produce their most ambitious and courageous work.”

Kahn was a China correspondent for The Times before being assigned to higher job positions and went on to lead the international desk of the New York-based newspaper. As a managing editor, he also helped in leading the company into the digital era.

Now, in filling up the top job post in the newsroom, Sulzberger apparently selected a veteran journalist who was described to have unmatched values of traditional newspaper reporting and editing, to lead The New York Times, which is currently undergoing extensive change.

The paper has been releasing the print edition for decades, and with the rapidly advancing times, it is now making changes to move to the digital future. This will also help the company reach more audiences around the world.

Finally, as per CNN Business, Kahn will be replacing Dean Baquet, who turned 65 in September last year. He has already reached the age of retirement for the executive editor post at The Times; thus, a new veteran will now continue his work. Then again, Baquet will still remain with the company in a new role that was not revealed yet, and he is expected to formally step down in June.