Axel Springer names new Politico CEO following purchase

Axel Springer has named Politico’s new chief executive after buying the outlet last year. 

Goli Sheikholeslami, currently the president and CEO of New York Public Radio, will take over at Politico in February and become chairperson of the shareholder advisory board of Politico Europe, which is based in Brussels.

“Goli’s track record is defined by growth, innovation, and a commitment to high-quality journalism,” said Jan Bayer, president of news media of Axel Springer. “With her vast experience and aspiration, Goli was by far our top choice for the role and will further our vision to build the global news and information leader on politics, policy, and regulation in power centers across the world.”

Sheikholeslami is a veteran news media executive, previously holding senior leadership positions at The Washington Post, Chicago Public Media, Conde Nast and Time Warner.

“What I admire most about Politico is the tenacity that underpins the organization’s fearless, fact-based journalism and its successful business model,” she said in a statement issued on Monday. “With this strong foundation, no other media organization is better positioned for growth, and I look forward to working with such a talented group of journalists and professionals to write Politico and Protocol’s next chapter.”

Sheikholeslami replaces former chief executive Patrick Steel, who left the company at the end of the year. 

Late last summer, Axel Springer struck a deal with former Politico owner Robert Allbritton to buy the beltway-focused news outlet for a reported $1 Billion. 

At the time, the German publisher said Politico would “complement and strengthen Axel Springer’s portfolio with an authoritative voice offering inside perspective and analysis of politics and policy in Washington, D.C., across the U.S., and around the globe.” 

Axios reported on Monday that sources internally at Politico seemed surprised by the decision and noted Protocol, a sister publication to the outlet, recently announced senior leadership changes of its own.