FAZ appoints first female co-publisher in historic leadership shift

A century-old tradition ends as the FAZ embraces change. How Bubrowski's rise mirrors the paper's bold transformation—and why it matters for German media.

, and Administrator

2026 May 1 . 10:06 PM

1 min read

The image shows an old newspaper with a picture of a group of people on it. The newspaper is the... — The image shows an old newspaper with a picture of a group of people on it. The newspaper is the front page of a German newspaper, dated November 13, 1939, and the headline reads "Weitpreubliche Zeitung". The people in the picture are wearing traditional German clothing and appear to be in a celebratory mood.

FAZ appoints first female co-publisher in historic leadership shift

The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) has named Helene Bubrowski as its newest co-publisher, marking a historic shift in the paper’s leadership. She will be the first woman to join the editorial board when she takes up the role on January 1, 2027. The move continues the FAZ’s gradual move away from its long-standing conservative reputation. The FAZ has long been seen as a conservative pillar of German journalism, traditionally representing middle-class values. Its governance structure is unusual in Germany, with four co-publishers sharing authority and dividing editorial responsibilities.

Helene Bubrowski has worked at the paper since 2013, first as a political editor and later as its Berlin correspondent. Her appointment follows years of reporting that has helped push the FAZ’s editorial line closer to the centre-left. This ideological realignment began in 2014, as the paper started accommodating views aligned with the Green-Social Democrat mainstream.

With Bubrowski’s arrival, three of the four co-publishers will now be considered modernisers. Their influence has steadily reshaped the FAZ’s political stance, moving it further from its conservative roots. Bubrowski’s promotion strengthens the FAZ’s shift towards a more centre-left position. The paper’s leadership now reflects a broader ideological change that has been unfolding for over a decade. Her role as the first female co-publisher also breaks a long tradition of an all-male editorial board.