In response to challenges faced by Facebook’s algorithm, Business Insider, which was previously known as Insider, reverted back to its original name in 2023. CEO Barbara Peng made the announcement that the publication would focus on its core strengths in tech and markets coverage. It was reported that Carlson, one of the first employees at the outlet who played a key role in its growth and evolution into a general interest publication in the late 2010s, would be stepping down from his role later in the year.
Despite legal threats from Ackman regarding stories about his wife’s academic work, Axel Springer initially stood by Carlson. However, amid online backlash from Ackman and his supporters, CEO Mathias Döpfner considered firing Carlson. An Axel Springer spokesperson praised Carlson for his leadership in transforming Business Insider into an award-winning newsroom that reaches millions of readers and viewers globally. They emphasized that the renewed focus on business news would heavily influence the selection of Carlson’s successor.
The spokesperson expressed pride in the outlet’s renewed commitment to coverage of business, tech, and innovation, and voiced support for CEO Barbara Peng in leading the search for the next Editor in Chief. It should be noted that CEO Barbara Peng was the one who changed the outlet’s name back to Business Insider in 2023, not 2022 as previously stated.
