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

Novelist Lev Grossman on Why Fantasy Isn’t About Escapism

The Magicians author discusses his influences, from Harvard to King Arthur to Tolkien.

A Congenial Voice in Japanese-American Relations

Takashi Komatsu spent his life building bridges. 

Yesterday’s News

A co-ed experiment that changed dorm life forever

Most popular

Harvard Faculty Group Proposes Limits on A Grades

The grade inflation measure requires a full faculty vote, expected in the spring.

Martin Nowak Sanctioned for Jeffrey Epstein Involvement

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences announces disciplinary actions.

Harvard Experts Say For Investors and the Power Grid, AI Is Risky Business

At the Institute of Politics, economists warn that AI’s rapid expansion could strain energy infrastructure, inflate capital cycles, and expose investors to risk.

Explore More From Current Issue

A silhouette of a person stands before glowing domes in a red, rocky landscape at sunset.

Getting to Mars (for Real)

Humans have been dreaming of living on the Red Planet for decades. Harvard researchers are on the case.

Cover of "Harvard's Best" featuring a woman in a red and black gown holding a sword.

A Forgotten Harvard Anthem

Published the year the Titanic sank, “Harvard’s Best” is a quizzical ode to the University.

A bald man in a black shirt with two book covers beside him, one titled "The Magicians" and the other "The Bright Sword."

Novelist Lev Grossman on Why Fantasy Isn’t About Escapism

The Magicians author discusses his influences, from Harvard to King Arthur to Tolkien.