Hearst Magazines, the world’s largest lifestyle publisher, today announced that Willa Bennett has been named editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen. In this role, she will oversee content strategy and editorial operations across print, digital, social and video. The announcement was made by Hearst President and CEO Steven R. Swartz and Hearst Magazines President Debi Chirichella.
Bennett most recently served as the editor-in-chief of Highsnobiety, where she was responsible for all editorial facets of the culture and fashion media company. Under her leadership, Highsnobiety expanded its audience, experienced significant growth in advertising and e-commerce revenue, and won multiple awards, including the prestigious National Magazine Award for General Excellence in 2024.
“Willa brings a strong journalistic background, e-commerce expertise and a modern approach to creating content to her new role,” Chirichella said. “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.”
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.
Chirichella continued: “We thank Jessica for her stewardship of these two brands, as well as for her dedication, passion and creativity. She has been an inspiration to many and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
Previously, Bennett led the social team and strategy at GQ Magazine. She began her journalism career as an intern at Seventeen before joining Bustle Digital Group.
“Willa’s innovative vision and keen editorial instinct will play a crucial role in the evolution of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen,” said Ronak Patel, general manager of Hearst Magazines’ Lifestyle Group, to whom Bennett will report. “Her talent for engaging new audiences through cultural insights, influence, insightful journalism, interactive experiences and community-building is a perfect fit for our strategy. I’m excited to see her make an impact.”
“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,” Bennett said. “I feel optimistic about the next generation and with two iconic legacy brands, anything is possible.”
Bennett earned her degree in journalism from Sarah Lawrence College. She was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree in 2022 and is a published author.
She will begin her new role on September 16 and her first issue will debut in early 2025.
