John Huey

John Huey is an American journalist and editor best known for his transformative leadership as the final editor-in-chief of Time Inc., the storied magazine division of Time Warner. His career, spanning from newspaper reporting to the pinnacle of magazine publishing, was marked by a commitment to ambitious journalism and navigating the digital upheaval in media. Huey played a pivotal role in launching influential titles and guiding legacy brands like *Time*, *Fortune*, and Sports Illustrated through a period of profound industry change.

Early life and education

John Huey was born in 1948 in Atlanta, a city whose complex social dynamics during the Civil Rights Movement would later inform his journalistic perspective. He pursued his higher education at the University of Missouri, home to the renowned Missouri School of Journalism, one of the oldest and most respected journalism programs in the United States. This foundational training provided him with the core principles of reporting and editing that would underpin his entire career in media.

Journalism career

Huey began his professional journey in newspapers, working as a reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution where he covered a range of topics including business and local politics. His talent for narrative and investigative work soon led him to The Wall Street Journal, where he served as a reporter and editor, deepening his expertise in financial and corporate journalism. During this period, he contributed to the paper's coverage of major economic stories, building a reputation for sharp analysis and clear storytelling that would catch the attention of the magazine world.

Time at Time Inc.

Huey joined Time Inc. in the late 1980s, initially as a writer for *Fortune*. He quickly ascended the ranks, becoming the magazine's managing editor in 1995, where he oversaw a revival of its editorial voice and investigative ambition. A major career milestone was his pivotal role in conceiving and launching *Fortune*'s highly influential "Fortune 500" and "100 Best Companies to Work For" lists, which became cultural and business benchmarks. In 2001, he was named editorial director of Time Inc., and in 2006, he succeeded Norman Pearlstine as editor-in-chief, overseeing all editorial content for the company's vast portfolio, including *Time*, Sports Illustrated, *People*, and Entertainment Weekly. His tenure was defined by championing major journalistic projects, such as *Time*'s "Person of the Year" coverage, while simultaneously steering the historic print empire through the disruptive rise of digital competitors like Google and Facebook. He retired from Time Inc. in 2012.

Post-Time Inc. activities

Following his retirement from Time Inc., Huey remained active in media and academia. He served as the co-director of the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where he focused on the future of journalism and supported fellowships for journalists worldwide. He has also served on the board of the Committee to Protect Journalists, advocating for press freedom globally. Huey has been a sought-after speaker and commentator on media trends, contributing perspectives to forums like the Aspen Institute and serving as an advisor to various media startups and legacy organizations navigating the digital landscape.

Personal life

John Huey has maintained a relatively private personal life. He is known to be an avid reader and a student of American history and politics. His experiences growing up in the American South during a transformative era have been noted as a lasting influence on his worldview and editorial approach. He resides primarily in New York City, the longtime headquarters of Time Inc., and continues to engage with the evolving world of journalism and publishing.

Category:American journalists Category:American magazine editors Category:Time Inc. people Category:1948 births Category:Living people Category:University of Missouri alumni