Willa Bennett, who began her career in journalism as an intern at Seventeen, has been named the new editor in chief of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen, Hearst Magazines said Tuesday.
She will begin her new role on Sept. 16, with her first issue debuting in early 2025.
Bennett succeeds Jessica Giles, who has served in numerous senior editorial roles during her tenure at Hearst, including editor in chief of Cosmopolitan for the past six years and editor in chief of Seventeen since September 2023, when previous editor in chief Kristin Koch was let go as a part of an ongoing restructuring.
“I’ve been an avid reader of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen since before I can remember and I’m honored to lead these two important brands into the future. I feel optimistic about the next generation and with two iconic legacy brands, anything is possible,” Bennett said in a statement regarding her return to Hearst.
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Most recently working as the editor in chief of Highsnobiety, in her new role at Hearst Bennett will oversee content strategy and editorial operations across print, digital, social and video at both titles. She will report to Ronak Patel, general manager of Hearst Magazines’ Lifestyle Group.
Patel said Bennett’s innovative vision and keen editorial instinct will play a crucial role in the evolution of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen.
“Her talent for engaging new audiences through cultural insights, influence, insightful journalism, interactive experiences and community-building is a perfect fit for our strategy,” Patel added.
During her tenure at Highsnobiety, Bennett was able to create several high-profile cultural moments with print issue covers featuring the likes of Billie Eilish, A$AP Rocky, Pamela Anderson and Newjeans, which helped the Zalando-owned media brand expand its audience and revenue.
Debi Chirichella, president at Hearst Magazines, said: “Bennett brings a strong journalistic background, e-commerce expertise and a modern approach to creating content to her new role. She has a proven track record of delivering culturally relevant experiences that engage a new generation of readers, and I am thrilled that she is returning to Hearst to help us build the future for Cosmopolitan and Seventeen.”
A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, Bennett has also worked at Bustle Digital Group and GQ, where she led the social team and strategy.
