Forbes Media Names Sherry Phillips as Chief Executive Officer

Forbes Media has announced that Sherry Phillips, the company’s Chief Revenue Officer, will step into the role of Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2025.

This content originally appeared in Forbes.

Phillips succeeds Mike Federle, who is stepping down after a seven-year tenure as CEO. Federle will remain involved as a strategic advisor to Forbes’ leadership team and Board.

Phillips, a Forbes veteran, joined the company in 1996 as Publisher of ForbesLife. In her most recent role as Chief Revenue Officer, she has overseen key revenue-driving areas, including digital media, branded content, events, and marketing. Her promotion marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first female CEO in Forbes’ 107-year history.

A Legacy of Leadership
Federle, who joined Forbes in 2011 as Chief Operating Officer and became CEO in 2017, has guided the company through significant transformation. His tenure has been defined by Forbes’ digital evolution, the expansion into new revenue streams like e-commerce and global real estate, and a commitment to journalistic excellence.

In 2024, Forbes recorded one of its strongest years, with a 50% year-over-year increase in site traffic. Federle praised Phillips as the ideal leader to build on this momentum.

Phillips’ Vision for Forbes
Under Phillips’ leadership, Forbes has already achieved remarkable results, including a 40% increase in Forbes Live events revenue over two years and more than 20 seven-figure advertising partnerships in 2024 alone.

“It is an honor to lead the iconic Forbes brand as we step into 2025,” said Sherry Phillips. “I’m grateful to Mike, our investors and the Board for the opportunity to lead our team and look forward to continuing our path of strategic innovation and continued growth. Since its founding in 1917, the Forbes brand has been synonymous with business and financial success with an unwavering commitment to trusted and impactful journalism, a mission more important today than ever before.”

“At Forbes, we stand for success, and we support the success of our own,” added Phillips. “My nearly three decades with the company is a testament to that commitment. I am eager to work with my colleagues as we chart our path in this challenging and exciting new era for our company and for the media industry.”

Phillips’ appointment signals a continued focus on strategic innovation and growth, ensuring Forbes remains a leading voice in global business and financial journalism.

Read the entire original content on Forbes.