The New York Times has named managing editor Joseph Kahn to succeed Dean Baquet as its next executive editor.
Why it matters: Kahn takes the reins at a critical moment in Times history. As the company looks to expand its business, it needs to figure out how to attract a more diverse set of subscribers without alienating its mostly older, progressive audience. Baquet has been leading the paper as its top editor since 2014.
- The Times is also facing pressure to modernize its culture to address growing competition for talent and new expectations around corporate values.
- Sources say Kahn has a more traditional leadership style and approach to social media that more closely aligns with the policies introduced in April, urging journalists to pull back from Twitter.
Be smart: Kahn's leadership style is significantly different from Baquet, as Axios has previously noted.
- Baquet is a high-profile, charismatic newsroom figure who exudes warmth and is a master of people skills.
- Kahn is a much more low-key and understated figure. He's cerebral and measured and tends to lead from behind.
Catch up quick: Kahn has been The Times' managing editor since 2016, the second-highest position in the newsroom under Baquet. Before that, he served as assistant editor for International and was an international editor and Beijing bureau chief.
- Having spent many years in China as a correspondent, he speaks fluent Chinese.
- Kahn is calm, measured, trusted and extremely well respected within the Times. Sources close to him say he likes music, especially classical, and enjoys skiing.
