A strategic restructuring of the Features and Weekend teams has been announced, marking a significant evolution in content delivery and organization. This shift aims to transition from a print-centric model to a more flexible, topic-driven structure that enhances reader engagement across various platforms, including web, app, weekly newsprint sections, and WSJ. Magazine.
New Leadership and Team Structure
Sarah Ball has been appointed as the new features coverage chief while continuing her role as editor in chief of WSJ. Magazine. Her leadership is expected to integrate and enhance storytelling across all platforms. Ball has a strong background in journalism and has significantly shaped the magazine’s reputation in style, culture, and entertainment.
Joining Ball in her new role is Heather Halberstadt, who has been promoted to deputy features coverage chief. Halberstadt brings years of experience, having successfully led the Mansion section and holding prior roles at notable publications including Departures Magazine and Vanity Fair.
The new team structure will include specialists responsible for several key areas:
- Weekend Ideas: Managed by Yael Kohen, this team will produce weekend essays and analyses.
- Exchange: Emily Nelson continues as the editor of the weekend business section.
- Culture: Led by Bonnie Wertheim, this team will delve into themes of power, wealth, and influence.
- Entertainment & Arts: Kayleen Schaefer will focus on coverage of books, TV, film, art, and music.
- Fashion & Lifestyle: An editor will be recruited to oversee this section, which will address topics such as travel and food.
- Property & Home: Candace Taylor will lead this team, focusing on home-related features.
- Sports: A new sports editor will be appointed following Jonathan Clegg’s shift to executive news editor, with Joshua Robinson serving as acting editor.
Additionally, Larry Rout and his Special Projects team will report to Aja Whitaker-Moore moving forward.
The restructuring is part of an initiative to create an audience-first strategy, which seeks to dismantle traditional print silos and empower editors to create adaptable journalism across all formats. As part of this change, the organization expresses gratitude to those departing from the team for their commitment and contributions.
Why It Matters
This restructuring reflects the ongoing evolution of media consumption patterns, as organizations adapt to prioritize digital engagement. By embracing a more versatile content delivery strategy, the aim is to enhance reader experience and ensure relevance in a rapidly changing landscape.
