The New York Times names Joe Kahn as its new editor-in-chief

The New York Times has hired Editor-in-Chief Joe Kahn as its new Editor-in-Chief.

The Gray Lady announced Tuesday that Kahn, 57, whose reporting from China earned him the Pulitzer Prize, will replace Dean Baquet, who is stepping down from the post after eight years.

Kahn, who helped lead the newspaper’s international coverage of Europe and Asia, will officially take over as head of the Times’ 1,700-strong newsroom in June. according to paper.

“For many people, especially those who worked with Joe — a brilliant journalist and a courageous and principled leader — this announcement will come as no surprise,” editor A.G. Sulzberger wrote in a memo to Times staff.

“Joe brings impeccable news judgment, a sophisticated understanding of the forces shaping the world and a long track record of helping journalists create their most ambitious and daring work.”

Kahn, who will work to accelerate the publication’s emphasis on digital news, said his mission will be to restore public trust in the Times “at a time of polarization and partisanship.”

“We don’t know where the political zeitgeist will go over time,” Kahn told the Times.

“Rather than chasing this, let’s commit and recommit to being independent.”

Baquet led the Times editorial board during the turbulent period marked by Donald Trump’s presidency and the coronavirus pandemic.

Baquet, 65, who has led the Times won 18 Pulitzer Prizes, will remain with the paper to “lead an exciting new venture.”

Earlier this year, The Times said it surpassed 10 million digital subscribers after announcing it would acquire The Athletic, the sports news site, for $550 million.

The Times said it aims to expand its reach to 15 million paying subscribers by 2027.