Shirley Halperin and Sean Woods has been appointed co -editors as head of Police stone.
The appointments fill the vacancy in the best editorial job at Rolling Stone, which opened in February 2024 with Noah Shachtman’s departure after three years in the role. Halperin will also serve as Rolling Stone’s music director.
Woods, a long-lasting Rolling Stone editor, and Halperin, who is among the most well-linked journalists in music, take the editorial reins on the heel of a larger management mix at Rolling Stone. Gus Wenner, son of the newspaper founder Jann Wenner, shifted from daily operations to a role as executive chairman in May. Billboard -alumni Julian Holguin was appointed CEO.
“Sean and Shirley are unsurpassed in their expertise and passion for stories, and their partnership will play an important role in shaping the Rolling Stone’s future,” Holguin said. “Both provide exceptional vision and a deep understanding of the brand’s heritage. Their leadership will continue to drive journalism and cultural -forming world -class conversations that Rolling Stone’s audience has expected.”
Halperin’s appointment marks the first time a female EIC has at the peak of Rolling Stone Masthead. Halperin is an alum of AmountHollywood Reporter and Billboard. She was EIC from Los Angeles Magazine before joining in November.
“I am very proud-personally and professionally-to help start the next era of the world’s most formidable music brand as its first female editor-in-chief,” Halperin said. “And sharing the title and working Axel-to-axis with Sean Woods, who has controlled the Rolling Stone’s editorial staff and strengthened its place as a leader in journalism in the last two decades, is an extra honor. I am happy to see Julian’s vision for Rolling Stone come to life and continue this legacy.
Woods has been with the magazine for more than 20 years. He has received the National Magazine Awards and the George Polk Awards for his management of investigation reports and breakthrough journalism.
“Rolling Stone goes into an exciting new era,” Woods said. “Julian and Shirley bring with us many new ideas, passion and energy. We will try different formats and approaches-at the same time as we stick to our core principles for in-depth reporting, news, gripping function writing and sharp cultural criticism.”
Rolling Stone is owned by Amount The parent company Penske Media Corp.
(Picture: Sean Woods, Shirley Halperin)