Peng replacing Blodget as Business Insider CEO

Business Insider announced Tuesday that Barbara Peng is its new CEO, as company founder Henry Blodget becomes board chair.

This move marks the culmination of a leadership transition that began when Peng stepped into her current role as president two years ago.

Peng joined the company in 2015 and has held several key strategic positions before being named President in 2021. She played a pivotal role in skillfully steering Business Insider through the challenges of a pandemic and the sharp downturn in the advertising industry, while finetuning Business Insider’s strategy.

“Barbara is one of the most talented and effective executives I have ever worked with,” said Blodget in a statement. “In the face of challenges, Barbara has shown a remarkable ability to maintain clear focus on the long-term while building a strong team and developing a smart strategy that will strongly position Business Insider for the years ahead.”

Blodget will work on projects for Business Insider and parent Axel Springer.

As part of her refining of the company’s brand positioning, Peng announced Tuesday a return to the name “Business Insider.”

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead such a talented and capable team as we work towards positioning Business Insider for the best possible future,” said Peng in a statement. “For us, that’s about honing in on our incredible audience — one that’s driven by ambition, optimism, and curiosity. They love our approach to business, tech, and innovation, which not only celebrates progress but the bold innovators driving it.”

Business Insider began in 2007 as “Silicon Alley Insider,” focusing on startups and technology. It later expanded to cover finance, markets, and other industries, becoming a global news powerhouse with bureaus around the world, and winning many awards and accolades, including a Pulitzer Prize.