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Forbes Names Stephanie Lewis as New CFO

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. /25/forbes-names-stephanie-lewis-as-new-cfo.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 10:15 GMT by Forbes
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 25, 2026 - Forbes today announced a pivotal leadership change, naming Stephanie Lewis as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective March 1, 2026. The appointment signals a clear intent by the media giant to aggressively pursue growth in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. Lewis assumes the role from Wendy Lai, who will transition to a strategic advisory position, leveraging her five years of experience guiding Forbes through a significant digital transformation.

While the press release highlights Lewis's impressive resume - including her recent role as Head of Corporate Development at Bloomberg and prior leadership positions at LinkedIn - the implications of this move extend far beyond a simple personnel change. Forbes, like all legacy media companies, is navigating a complex period of disruption. The shift from print to digital, the rise of social media as a news source, and the emergence of subscription models all demand a CFO with a unique skillset - one that Stephanie Lewis appears to possess.

Lewis's background at Bloomberg, a financial data and media company, is particularly noteworthy. Bloomberg's success hinges on its ability to monetize complex financial information and deliver it through innovative platforms. This experience will be crucial for Forbes, which has been diversifying its revenue streams beyond traditional advertising. Forbes has made substantial investments in areas like real-time data analytics, premium content subscriptions, and events - all areas where Lewis's expertise will be highly valuable.

The transition of Wendy Lai to a strategic advisory role isn't merely a polite gesture. It suggests Forbes recognizes the value of her institutional knowledge and the relationships she's cultivated over the past five years. Lai oversaw the company's significant push into digital, a process that undoubtedly involved difficult decisions and strategic investments. Her continued involvement, albeit in a different capacity, provides a crucial link to the past while allowing Lewis to chart the future.

Beyond the Numbers: Forbes' Strategic Direction

Forbes' CEO, Michael Smith, emphasized Lewis's "expertise in navigating the complexities of the media landscape and identifying new revenue streams." This statement hints at the strategic challenges facing the company. The media industry is no longer solely about content creation; it's about building ecosystems, fostering communities, and leveraging data to deliver personalized experiences. Forbes has been actively pursuing this strategy, with initiatives like Forbes Advisor, Forbes Education, and a growing focus on venture capital and private equity coverage.

Lewis's role will be to ensure these initiatives are financially sustainable and scalable. This will involve careful analysis of return on investment, identifying synergistic opportunities, and potentially exploring new areas for expansion. The company's recent foray into crypto and blockchain coverage, for example, represents both a significant opportunity and a potential risk. Lewis will be responsible for mitigating these risks while maximizing the potential rewards.

The emphasis on "expanding our digital presence" is a common refrain for media companies, but Forbes is taking a different approach. While many outlets rely heavily on paywalls, Forbes has adopted a more hybrid model, offering a mix of free and premium content. Lewis will need to fine-tune this balance, determining the optimal price point for subscriptions and maximizing ad revenue without alienating readers.

The Competitive Landscape & Future Outlook

Forbes operates in a highly competitive market, facing challenges from established players like Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times, as well as newer digital-first publications. The appointment of a CFO with a strong track record in the tech and finance sectors signals that Forbes is prepared to compete aggressively.

Analysts predict that the future of financial journalism will be driven by data analytics, artificial intelligence, and personalized content delivery. Forbes is already investing in these areas, and Lewis's leadership will be crucial in accelerating this transformation. Expect to see further innovations in areas like data visualization, interactive content, and AI-powered news summaries.

Ultimately, the success of Stephanie Lewis at Forbes will depend on her ability to balance financial prudence with strategic vision. She must navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving media landscape while ensuring the company remains profitable and sustainable. The next few years will be critical for Forbes, and the appointment of Lewis suggests the company is confident in its ability to not only survive but thrive in the digital age.