On this moment, just a few days before my 45th birthday, I am thrilled to officially announce my decision to join The Daily Beast as its new COO and President. For those of you who know me, you know that I have a passion for news, often priding myself on being well-read and first to know on almost any topic that matters. Whether it be politics, sports, global events, business, or virtually anything written about, I love information. So while it may be surprising to hear that I’ve jumped back into the grind of a full-time role—after spending the past half-decade advising and investing in companies and passion projects that allowed me the flexibility to enjoy time with my young children and some of the fruits of my early entrepreneurial successes—it should come as no surprise that I’ve decided to do so by getting back into the digital publishing space with a brand like the Beast.
So, why The Daily Beast?
Simple. I see this as a premier opportunity to step into a leadership role at an iconic, digital-first publication—a challenge that excites me on every level. The Daily Beast has long been known for its fearless journalism, unique personality, and relentless commitment to holding power accountable. It has a rich history, deeply rooted in delivering the news people need to know, as well as the stories they didn’t even realize they needed. At a time when our news cycle is louder than ever, I find it exciting to be at the helm of a company that’s right at the center of it all.
The opportunity to lead a brand with such a bold voice and storied past, while building it into a sustainable business that can continue to thrive in an evolving media landscape, is one I couldn’t pass up. The challenge ahead is clear: to strengthen The Daily Beast’s ability to invest even more deeply in the kind of great journalism that made it what it is today. We are committed to producing headlines that grab attention, but more importantly, stories that stick—stories that provoke thought, challenge assumptions, and resonate long after you’ve read them.
I look forward to working with Ben, Joanna, and what I’ve found to be a very talented team that cares about ensuring The Daily Beast remains a destination for readers who crave both the news they need and the journalism they didn’t know they needed. Our goal is to build a business that not only survives in today’s challenging publishing environment but thrives—allowing us to continue the tradition of fearless reporting that shines a light on the issues that matter most.
Here’s to the exciting journey ahead. It’s going to be fun.
—Keith
