The Economist hires Cohn as president

The Economist Group announced Tuesday the hiring of Bob Cohn as president and managing director for The Economist.

Cohn will lead the core publication business, focusing on expanding subscriptions and readership around the world, as well as developing new digital offerings. He  will also support the Group leadership team in identifying and leveraging commercial opportunities in North America.

Cohn will split his time between New York and Washington.

Cohn comes to The Economist Group after having spent more than 10 years at The Atlantic, where he served as president and, before that, digital editor. Under his leadership, The Atlantic achieved record highs in revenue, profit, audience, and staffing, built successful events and consulting businesses, and launched a digital subscription program earlier this year.

Cohn will report directly to Lara Boro, who joined The Economist Group as chief executive in September 2019.

“I am delighted to welcome Bob to The Economist Group. His experience as a journalist combined with his business successes, give him a unique understanding and appreciation for what we stand for, and the know-how to achieve our commercial ambitions,” said Boro in a statement.

North America is an important growth market for The Economist accounting for 55 percent of its 1.6 million print and digital circulation. The Economist is about to embark on ambitious plans related to the US 2020 presidential election including the launch of new products and marketing campaigns.