Jill Abramson ’76 named executive editor of the New York Times

First woman to fill the newspaper's top editorial post

Jill Abramson '76 has been named executive editor of the New York Times, the newspaper announced today—the first woman to hold the top editorial post. She has been managing editor since 2003—one of two executives responsible for overseeing the newsroom. She has previously been an investigative reporter and Washington bureau chief for the Times; she joined the paper in 1997, after nine years at the Wall Street Journal. Previously, she worked at Time, NBC News, and The American Lawyer. Among other works, she is coauthor of Strange Justice, on the appointment of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court, and of Where They Are Now: The Story of the Women of Harvard Law 1974. Daughter Cornelia Griggs graduated from the College in 2005.

The Nieman Foundation has published a comment on Abramson's appointment, emphasizing her likely focus on the newspaper's digital strategy and investments.

The Times has organized an archive of her published articles—covering subjects ranging from the financing of political campaigns  to the "Puppy Diaries" about her beloved pet, Scout.

Related topics

You might also like

What a Key EPA Repeal Means for America’s Climate Future

A Harvard alumni panel examines the impact of the “Endangerment Finding.”

NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim to Speak at Harvard in June

The American Navy SEAL, born to immigrants, is a doctor and a space traveler.

Conan O’Brien Named Harvard’s 2026 Commencement Speaker

The comedian, host, and 1985 graduate will deliver remarks at the May 28 ceremony. 

Most popular

Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences Faces a $350 Million Deficit

At a faculty meeting, Dean Hopi Hoekstra advocates for long-term, structural solutions.

Harvard’s Eric Maskin and Michael Kremer look at globalization and inequality

Modeling how globalization leaves the least-skilled workers behind

Is Gambling Becoming a Public Health Crisis?

Responding to the explosive growth of online gambling and sports betting, a new report urges governments to regulate with public health in mind.

Explore More From Current Issue

A close-up of a beetle on the textured surface of a cycad cone and cycad cones seen in infrared silhouette.

Research in Brief

Cutting-edge discoveries, distilled

Illustration of a person sitting on a large cresting wave, writing, with a sunset and ocean waves in vibrant colors.

How Stories Help Us Cope with Climate Change

The growing genre of climate fiction offers a way to process reality—and our anxieties.

Modern building surrounded by greenery and a walking path under a blue sky.

A New Landscape Emerges in Allston

The innovative greenery at Harvard’s Science and Engineering Complex