From Tech To Business: Business Insider’s Evolution and The Search for a New Editor in Chief

In the late 2010s, Business Insider underwent a transformation from a niche tech publication to a general interest outlet, attracting a broader audience with its lifestyle and political reporting teams. However, like many digital news outlets that rely heavily on social media for distribution, it faced challenges when Facebook changed its algorithm away from news content.

In response to these challenges, CEO Barbara Peng announced in 2023 that the organization would revert to its original name, focusing on its core strengths in tech and markets coverage. Reports surfaced last month suggesting that Carlson would be stepping down from his role later in the year. Despite legal threats from Ackman regarding stories about his wife’s academic work, Axel Springer initially stood by Carlson.

However, amid online backlash from Ackman and his supporters, the company’s CEO Mathias Döpfner reportedly considered firing Carlson. An Axel Springer spokesperson praised Carlson for his leadership in transforming Business Insider into an award-winning newsroom that reaches millions of readers and viewers globally. However, they emphasized that the renewed focus on business news would heavily influence the selection of Carlson’s successor.

CEO Barbara Peng expressed pride in the outlet’s renewed commitment to coverage of business, tech, and innovation and voiced support for Mathias Döpfner in leading the search for the next Editor in Chief. It should be noted that CEO Barbara Peng was the one who changed the outlet’s name back to Business Insider in 2023, not 2022 as previously reported.