Reuters has appointed Jane Barrett as its new Head of Product, marking another major step in the company’s transformation into an AI-powered global news organization.
Source: Reuters l MediaBites Editorial
Reuters President Paul Bascobert announced Barrett’s appointment in an internal note shared with staff on Tuesday, confirming that she will take up the role with immediate effect while continuing to serve on the Reuters Executive Committee.
Barrett has been serving as Reuters’ Head of AI Strategy for nearly two years, leading the company’s adoption of artificial intelligence across newsroom operations and client-facing products. Bascobert described her elevation as a “natural progression” as Reuters continues integrating AI into its core business structure.
“Jane brings more than 25 years of experience in our newsroom as both a journalist and an editorial leader,” Bascobert said, adding that her understanding of editorial operations, AI, and product innovation made her the ideal choice for the position.
Reuters was among the first major news organizations to appoint a dedicated Head of AI and is now among the first to fully embed AI leadership into its mainstream product structure.
Barrett joined Reuters in 1999 after university and worked as a reporter in London, Rome, Milan, and Madrid before moving into leadership roles. She played a key role in launching Reuters Insider, a pioneering financial video platform, and later served in senior editorial and multimedia positions, including Global Head of Multimedia and Global Editor for Media News Strategy.
Reacting to her appointment on LinkedIn, Barrett said she was excited to help shape the future of digital journalism at a time when audience habits and news consumption are rapidly evolving.
“When I took on the job of Head of AI Strategy, my boss and I debated how long we would need Heads of AI before it just became ‘what we all do’. I bet on three years, but it turns out it was two!” she wrote.
She added that Reuters is operating in “turbulent and fast-changing times,” where audiences across different regions and age groups demand highly personalized news experiences.
“It’s an amazing time to be serving audiences and clients in new and old ways. Let’s go build the future together!” Barrett said.
Reuters said responsibilities related to the remaining AI strategy work will gradually transition to other leaders within the organization, with further announcements expected later.
MediaBites congratulates Jane Barrett on her new role and wishes her continued success in leading Reuters’ product innovation and AI-driven journalism journey.
