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Michael Dugan Appointed as TIME's New Chief Technology Officer

Media veteran Michael Dugan joins TIME to lead digital transformation and AI strategy.

TIME2 min

1Strategic Leadership Appointment

TIME CEO Jessica Sibley and COO Mark Howard announced Michael Dugan as the company's new Chief Technology Officer. Dugan officially began his tenure this Monday, reporting directly to Howard. This leadership change is designed to bolster the organization's technological capabilities as the media company prepares for its strategic goals through 2027.

2Scope of Responsibilities

Dugan will oversee TIME’s comprehensive technology strategy, encompassing digital platforms, enterprise technology, and security protocols. His mandate includes managing data infrastructure and responsible AI integration. These efforts aim to strengthen the foundation for the publication's journalism, enhance audience experiences, drive new revenue opportunities, and ensure more efficient internal business operations.

3Organizational Reporting Structure

Phil Mahoney and the existing technology team will now report directly to Dugan. This transition is intended to maintain continuity for ongoing projects. Furthermore, Dugan will work in close collaboration with the product team currently led by Michael Mraz, ensuring that technology and product development remain aligned during this leadership transition period.

4Extensive Media Experience

Dugan brings over 25 years of experience leading technology organizations within the media sector. His background includes significant tenures at major publishing houses where he focused on infrastructure modernization. This deep industry expertise is expected to play a pivotal role in TIME’s ongoing digital evolution and its broader corporate transformation efforts.

5Previous Tenure at G/O Media

In his most recent role as CTO of G/O Media, Dugan managed technology, product, engineering, and advertising operations. He successfully modernized infrastructure and implemented advanced data, AI, and commerce capabilities across the company's portfolio. These initiatives were instrumental in improving overall revenue performance while simultaneously reducing operational costs for the media firm.

6Historical Leadership at Hearst

Before G/O Media, Dugan served as CTO of Hearst Magazines, where he directed a global organization of more than 250 employees. He was responsible for platforms supporting over 30 distinct brands. During this time, he oversaw complex platform migrations and significantly expanded the company’s consumer revenue, data, and artificial intelligence capabilities.

7Long-term Industry Background

Dugan’s career includes a substantial 17-year tenure at Forbes, where he spent four years serving as the Chief Technology Officer. This extensive history in media technology provides him with a unique perspective on the challenges facing legacy publishers. He is currently based in New York City, where he will lead TIME's operations.

8Future Growth Objectives

The appointment of Dugan signals a clear focus on scaling TIME’s digital infrastructure to support long-term growth. By prioritizing AI and data-driven revenue models, the company aims to remain competitive in an evolving media landscape. Stakeholders will be watching how these new technological foundations translate into tangible audience engagement and financial results.

Original article: TIME — Michael Dugan Appointed as TIME's New Chief Technology Officer