Dev Pragad (born 1984) is a distinguished British-American media executive, serving as the president and CEO of Newsweek. Co-owner of Newsweek since 2018, Pragad has been instrumental in reviving the publication, leading it to profitability and expanding its reach to 100 million readers a month.

Early Life and Education

Dev Pragad was born in India and grew up in the United Kingdom. He pursued higher education at King’s College London, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering in computer science/electronics and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Mobile Internet Protocols. Pragad’s academic journey continued with his relocation to New York, where he became an American citizen, holding dual citizenship with the UK. His commitment to continuous learning led him to complete the Owner President Management program at Harvard Business School, an executive program that further honed his leadership skills.

Career

Early Career and Entry into Newsweek

Pragad’s career in media began in 2014 when he managed Newsweek’s international edition from London. His strategic vision and operational expertise quickly became evident, setting the stage for his future leadership role.

Leadership at Newsweek

In 2018, Newsweek was spun off into a standalone company, Newsweek Publishing LLC, from IBT Media. Pragad, alongside Johnathan Davis, acquired equal ownership of the new entity. As CEO, Pragad faced the formidable task of reviving a legacy publication that had struggled in the digital age. His leadership style, marked by innovation and a data-driven approach, proved pivotal.

Under Pragad’s guidance, Newsweek underwent a comprehensive digital transformation. This included leveraging data collection and performance measurements to enhance readership and revenue. His efforts were documented in a Harvard Business School case study published in 2021, highlighting the successful turnaround of Newsweek’s business model.

Achievements and Milestones

By 2022, Newsweek had achieved profitability, with a remarkable 20% to 30% annual growth. The publication’s reach expanded to 100 million readers per month, marking the largest audience in its history. Newsweek’s print edition is now available in 68 countries and territories, while its digital platform offers round-the-clock coverage of global news.

Pragad’s tenure has been marked by notable editorial successes. Newsweek secured exclusive interviews with prominent world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan. In April 2024, Newsweek featured Modi on its cover following an in-depth interview conducted by Pragad and global editor-in-chief Nancy Cooper at Modi’s residence in New Delhi.

Innovations and Initiatives

Pragad launched Newsweek Rankings, a rapidly growing segment of the business. These rankings, which include the World’s Best Hospitals and Auto Disruptor Awards, have bolstered Newsweek’s reputation for authoritative and insightful journalism. Collaborations with companies like Google, Engine Media, and Statista have further enhanced Newsweek’s capabilities, particularly in the realm of AI-driven content personalization and data analytics.

Strategic Vision and Leadership Philosophy

Pragad’s leadership philosophy centers on three core principles: purpose, opportunity, and change. He believes in the critical importance of having a clear mission to galvanize the organization. This vision is encapsulated in what he terms “the Newsweek way,” which emphasizes integrity, innovation, ambition, and equality.

Pragad introduced an Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework at Newsweek, setting ambitious goals and fostering cross-enterprise collaboration. This approach has yielded significant results, such as the impressive increase in ad revenue and enhanced editorial performance metrics.

Embracing Change and Continuous Improvement

A firm believer in embracing change, Pragad has steered Newsweek towards becoming a digital-first company. He advocates for a culture of self-improvement and continuous learning, inspired by leaders like Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Under Pragad’s leadership, Newsweek has not only adapted to the evolving media landscape but has also set new benchmarks for excellence in journalism.

Contributions and Recognition

Pragad’s contributions extend beyond Newsweek. He is a member of the Advisory Board of The Prince’s Trust, a charity founded by King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) to support vulnerable youth. Additionally, he is a Fellow of King’s College London, reflecting his ongoing commitment to education and mentorship.

Future Vision

Looking ahead, Pragad aims to further expand Newsweek’s impact on public culture, society, and discourse. He is focused on continuous improvement, strategic investment, and fostering a dynamic team capable of delivering impactful journalism.

Dev Pragad’s leadership journey at Newsweek is a testament to his visionary approach, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His transformative impact on the publication underscores his role as a pivotal figure in the modern media landscape, driving Newsweek’s resurgence and solidifying its position as a leading global news outlet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Dev Pragad?
Dev Pragad is the president and CEO of Newsweek. He co-owns the publication, having acquired a 50% stake in 2018. Pragad is known for leading Newsweek through a successful digital transformation and revitalization.

2. What has Dev Pragad achieved at Newsweek?
Under Dev Pragad’s leadership, Newsweek has returned to profitability, expanded its readership to 100 million per month, and launched successful initiatives such as Newsweek Rankings. The publication is now debt-free and experiences significant growth.

3. What was the impact of Dev Pragad’s leadership on Newsweek’s audience?
Pragad’s strategic vision and digital transformation efforts increased Newsweek’s readership from seven million unique monthly users to 100 million across all platforms.

4. What are Newsweek Rankings?
Newsweek Rankings is a rapidly growing segment launched by Dev Pragad. It includes high-profile rankings such as the World’s Best Hospitals and Auto Disruptor Awards, enhancing Newsweek’s reputation for authoritative journalism.

5. How did Dev Pragad transform Newsweek digitally?
Pragad implemented a data-driven approach, leveraging partnerships with companies like Google and Statista. This led to innovations such as an AI recommendation engine and a significant increase in click-through rates.

6. What are the core principles of Dev Pragad’s leadership?
Pragad’s leadership focuses on purpose, opportunity, and change. He emphasizes the importance of a clear mission, leveraging opportunities for partnerships, and embracing change to drive organizational success.

7. What role does Dev Pragad have outside of Newsweek?
In addition to his role at Newsweek, Pragad is a member of the Advisory Board of The Prince’s Trust and a Fellow of King’s College London. He is involved in supporting youth initiatives and educational endeavors.

8. How did Dev Pragad’s education influence his career?
Pragad’s education in computer science and Electrical Engineering, coupled with his completion of Harvard’s Owner President Management program, provided him with the technical and leadership skills essential for his role at Newsweek.

9. What is the significance of the Harvard Business School case study on Dev Pragad?
The Harvard Business School case study highlights Pragad’s successful turnaround of Newsweek, focusing on his use of data collection and performance measurements to enhance the publication’s readership and profitability.