Sylvie Kauffmann

French newspaper LeMonde has taken a huge step forward and for the first time in the history of the paper, appointed a woman as publisher, Sylvie Kauffmann, the New York Times reports.  Kauffman, in her statement to the press, acknowledges this that this is “the final stage of an evolution” for the paper, but asserts that her gender had nothing to do with her appointment (why is it always necessary for women and minorities to assert that?).  What the Times did not report, however, was that this is indeed remarkable because the Times themselves has never had a female publisher.  Or a female executive editor.  Of course this is big news to them!  The Washington Post, on the other hand, is way ahead of them (with publisher Katharine Weymouth) as is the Los Angeles Times, who had their first female publisher back in 1999 (Kathryn Downing), although she only lasted a year.  So we’re a little bit behind the times here in New York (apologies for the pun), but maybe all of this acknowledgment of Kauffmann will light a fire under certain senior executives next time the position needs to be filled… there are a handful of deputy eds that are certainly more than capable.

But until then: Felicitations, Sylvie!