Hearst Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hearst has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, finance, revenue, information systems, people, and financial oversight.

Driven by a legacy of innovation, Hearst is dedicated to delivering trusted content, data-driven insights, and technology-enabled services that support consumers and businesses globally, managing an extensive portfolio across media, information, and services.

Leadership Roles at Hearst

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Steven Swartz
  • Chief Financial Officer - Todd Ladson
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Gerald Poppe
  • Chief Operating Officer - Xiaodong Zhang
  • Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer - Loïc Ricci
  • Chief Technology Officer - Arayik Hovhannisyan
  • Executive Vice President & Global Chief Revenue Officer - Elizabeth Howard
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Debra Robinson
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer - Mahendra Durai
  • Chief People Officer - Adwoa Devereaux
  • Steven Swartz - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Steven Swartz, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Hearst, directs the company's overarching strategy and global operations. Overseeing a diversified media, information, and services conglomerate, Swartz guides Hearst's extensive portfolio, which spans journalism, broadcasting, financial services, healthcare information, and transportation technology. This leadership role involves driving innovation across all business units, ensuring the delivery of trusted content and data-driven insights to a worldwide audience. Swartz's strategic vision shapes Hearst's market impact, fostering growth through its television networks, newspapers, magazines, digital platforms, and data analytics services. By championing Hearst's long-standing legacy, Steven Swartz ensures the company remains at the forefront of delivering essential services and programming to consumers and businesses alike, solidifying its position as a global leader.
    Steven Swartz

    Todd Ladson - Chief Financial Officer

    Todd Ladson, the Chief Financial Officer at Hearst, directs the financial strategy and fiscal management for the global diversified media, information, and services company. Ladson oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, investment analysis, and capital allocation across Hearst's extensive portfolio. This encompasses managing the financial health of its journalism, broadcasting, financial services, healthcare information, and transportation technology divisions. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities are crucial for ensuring the company's financial stability and supporting its growth objectives through prudent fiscal planning. By guiding Hearst's financial direction, Todd Ladson plays a pivotal role in sustaining the company's long-standing legacy of innovation and its ability to deliver trusted content and data-driven insights worldwide.
    Todd Ladson

    Gerald Poppe - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Gerald Poppe, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Hearst, supports the financial oversight and strategic fiscal planning for the organization. Poppe collaborates with the Chief Financial Officer to manage Hearst's financial health across its broad spectrum of industries, including media, information, and services. This involves contributing to financial analysis, budgeting, and resource management for divisions such as journalism, broadcasting, financial services, healthcare information, and transportation technology. The Chief Financial Officer's role is integral to maintaining financial discipline and supporting investment decisions that drive Hearst's growth and innovation. By assisting in financial governance, Gerald Poppe helps ensure the company's sustained success and its capacity to deliver value globally.

    Xiaodong Zhang - Chief Operating Officer

    Xiaodong Zhang, the Chief Operating Officer at Hearst, executes the operational strategies that underpin the company's diverse business segments. Zhang manages the day-to-day functions across Hearst's broad industry presence, including journalism, broadcasting, financial services, healthcare information, and transportation technology. This involves optimizing processes and resource allocation to ensure efficient delivery of Hearst's extensive portfolio of media holdings and data services. By overseeing the operational integration of various business units, Xiaodong Zhang drives synergy and enhances the effectiveness of Hearst's global reach. The Chief Operating Officer's focus is on streamlining operations to support the company's mission of providing trusted content and technology-enabled services, thereby contributing directly to Hearst's sustained market leadership and operational excellence.

    Loïc Ricci - Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer

    Loïc Ricci, the Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer at Hearst, contributes to the strategic direction and operational execution of the company's diverse business units. Ricci's role involves overseeing key operational functions that support Hearst's global presence in media, information, and services. This includes driving efficiency and synergy across its various ventures, such as journalism, broadcasting, financial services, healthcare information, and transportation technology. As a Co-Founder, Loïc Ricci brings a foundational perspective to operational strategies, ensuring alignment with the company's long-term vision. The Chief Operating Officer's focus is on optimizing processes to enhance Hearst's ability to deliver trusted content and technology-enabled services to a worldwide audience.

    Arayik Hovhannisyan - Chief Technology Officer

    Arayik Hovhannisyan, the Chief Technology Officer at Hearst, architects the technological infrastructure that powers the company's global operations and digital initiatives. Hovhannisyan leads the development and implementation of innovative technology solutions across Hearst's diverse sectors, including media, information, and services. This involves overseeing the technological advancements for journalism, broadcasting, financial services, healthcare information, and transportation technology platforms. The Chief Technology Officer's role is critical in ensuring Hearst leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver data-driven insights and enhance its digital media presence. By driving technological innovation, Arayik Hovhannisyan supports the company's mission to provide advanced, technology-enabled services and maintain a competitive edge in the global market.

    Elizabeth Howard - Executive Vice President & Global Chief Revenue Officer

    Elizabeth Howard, the Executive Vice President & Global Chief Revenue Officer at Hearst, drives revenue generation and commercial strategies across the company's vast global operations. Howard oversees all revenue-generating activities, including advertising sales, subscription models, and partnership development for Hearst's diverse media, information, and services businesses. This involves maximizing commercial potential within journalism, broadcasting, financial services, healthcare information, and transportation technology sectors. The Global Chief Revenue Officer's leadership is essential for translating Hearst's extensive content and data assets into sustainable revenue streams. By focusing on market expansion and commercial innovation, Elizabeth Howard ensures the continued financial strength and growth of Hearst's global enterprise.

    Debra Robinson - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Debra Robinson, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Hearst, manages the company's information technology infrastructure and digital systems. Robinson oversees the strategic implementation and maintenance of IT solutions that support Hearst's diverse operations in media, information, and services. This includes ensuring the security, efficiency, and scalability of information systems across journalism, broadcasting, financial services, healthcare information, and transportation technology divisions. The Chief Information Officer's role is vital for enabling data-driven insights and supporting the technological backbone of Hearst's global business. By directing IT strategy, Debra Robinson ensures that Hearst's technological capabilities align with its mission to deliver trusted content and innovative services worldwide.

    Mahendra Durai - Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

    Mahendra Durai, the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Hearst, drives technological innovation and infrastructure development across the company's global enterprises. Durai leads the strategic deployment of advanced technologies that enhance Hearst's media, information, and services operations. This includes overseeing the technological frameworks for journalism, broadcasting, financial services, healthcare information, and transportation technology platforms. The Chief Technology Officer's expertise is crucial for enabling Hearst to deliver data-driven insights and maintain a robust digital presence. By championing technological advancements, Mahendra Durai ensures Hearst remains at the forefront of innovation, supporting its mission to provide cutting-edge, technology-enabled services to a worldwide market.
    Mahendra Durai

    Adwoa Devereaux - Chief People Officer

    Adwoa Devereaux, the Chief People Officer at Hearst, leads human capital strategy and organizational development across the company's global workforce. Devereaux oversees all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, compensation, and benefits for Hearst's diverse sectors. This involves fostering a culture that supports innovation and collaboration within its journalism, broadcasting, financial services, healthcare information, and transportation technology divisions. The Chief People Officer's role is essential for attracting and retaining top talent, ensuring Hearst's employees are equipped to drive the company's mission forward. By focusing on people-centric initiatives, Adwoa Devereaux cultivates a dynamic environment that underpins Hearst's success in delivering trusted content and services worldwide.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hearst Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Hearst?
    Hearst is led by Steven Swartz (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Todd Ladson (Chief Financial Officer) and Gerald Poppe (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Hearst’s executive team?
    The executive team of Hearst includes leaders such as Steven Swartz (President & Chief Executive Officer), Todd Ladson (Chief Financial Officer), Gerald Poppe (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Hearst have?
    Hearst has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Hearst’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Hearst includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer.