Alessandra Galloni, 47

In April, Reuters News named Alessandra Galloni as its next editor-in-chief, the first woman to lead the globe-spanning news agency in its 170-year history. In her role, she oversees all editorial functions for the newsroom and its 2,500 journalists in 200 locations around the world

A native of Rome, Galloni most recently served as global managing editor, where she oversaw news planning and creation for Reuters newsroom since 2015. She joined Reuters in 2013 as editor of the Southern

Europe bureau following 13 years at the Wall Street Journal.

What are you most excited about in the news industry today?

The COVID pandemic has highlighted the importance—even the life-or-death importance—of trusted news in a world of information overload and attempts by some governments, institutions and companies to mislead the public. For Reuters, which has trust in its DNA, the need for independent and unbiased information is a great opportunity—both journalistic and commercial. Newsrooms can be great agents of change, particularly as the world around us changes. It is heartening to see the collective ambition of building a more diverse and inclusive industry. It is one of my priorities in my new role as editor-in-chief to make sure our newsroom better reflects the world we cover.

What is your advice for aspiring women journalists?

Be curious, be passionate and be ambitious. This is a great moment to be a journalist. And as newsrooms seek greater diversity of thought and voices—within their ranks and with their coverage—this is great moment to be a woman journalist.