TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs distributed the following internal memo to staff on Tuesday:
Dear colleagues,
I am delighted to share three important updates with you concerning our Washington coverage.
Alex Altman has been promoted to Executive Editor.
Throughout his career, Alex has covered events in over 30 states, worked as a political correspondent on Capitol Hill, and accompanied presidential campaigns. He reported on the protest movement that commenced in Ferguson, Mo., in 2014, and the start of Donald Trump’s time in Washington. Alex initially joined TIME in 2007 as an intern within the London bureau.
In his previous capacity as deputy Washington Bureau chief and executive features editor, Alex supervised acclaimed work and directed significant coverage, ranging from Person of the Year profiles to election night events. He is an exceptional editor, adept with both text and personnel, having been responsible for editing over 100 cover stories during his tenure. In his updated position, reporting directly to me, Alex will spearhead our extensive investigative coverage of politics, policy, and national affairs, collaborating with Charlotte Alter, Eric Cortellessa, and Simon Shuster. Alex and his family recently relocated to San Francisco, and his presence there will be advantageous as we report on Silicon Valley’s impact across various sectors.
Alex will additionally oversee the recruitment process for a senior political correspondent who will join his team, as preparations for the 2028 presidential election start to develop.
Senior Editor Aman Batheja, alongside Senior Correspondents Brian Bennett and Philip Elliott, will transition to our news team, joining their Washington-based colleagues Annika Neklason and Nik Popli. They will report to Editorial Director Gemma Fox.
Collaborating with Aman, Brian will take charge of our White House coverage, while Phil will focus on how decisions made in Washington affect our readership. Collectively, Aman, Brian, and Phil have offered reliable insights and directed our continuous coverage of Washington for TIME over numerous years. I am enthusiastic about the prospects this new organizational framework offers, merging seasoned team members with our dynamic global news team. Gemma is expanding the News team this autumn. Connor Greene commences as a reporting fellow in Washington this week, and we intend to recruit another fellow in London later this year, thereby bolstering our approach for current and pertinent coverage across all media.
Sam