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

Introductions: Dan Cnossen

A conversation with the former Navy SEAL and gold-medal-winning Paralympic skier

Yesterday’s News

A co-ed experiment that changed dorm life forever

A Congenial Voice in Japanese-American Relations

Takashi Komatsu spent his life building bridges. 

Most popular

Mark Carney on the Limits of Soft Power

At the 2026 Davos summit, the Canadian prime minister echoes Harvard’s Joseph Nye.

Why Men Are Falling Behind in Education, Employment, and Health

Can new approaches to education address a growing gender gap?

A Flu Vaccine That Actually Works

Next-gen vaccines delivered directly to the site of infection are far more effective than existing shots.

Explore More From Current Issue

A football player kicking a ball while another teammate holds it on the field.

A Near-Perfect Football Season Ends in Disappointment

A loss to Villanova derails Harvard in the playoffs. 

An image depicting high carb ultra processed foods, those which are often associated with health risks

Is Ultraprocessed Food Really That Bad?

A Harvard professor challenges conventional wisdom. 

Evolutionary progression from primates to humans in a colorful illustration.

Why Humans Walk on Two Legs

Research highlights our evolutionary ancestors’ unique pelvis.