TIME’s Chief Operating Officer, Mark Howard, shared the following announcement with staff on Wednesday:
Team,
I’m pleased to announce Michael Mraz’s arrival at TIME as our new SVP, Head of Product and Platform AI.
In this newly created position, Michael will head up Product and lead our AI initiatives on the site through our existing collaboration with Scale AI and our efforts to empower the newsroom, working closely with Sam Jacobs and Annabel Gutterman. He will also work with Sharon, who is leading the company’s AI strategy, to accelerate the implementation of innovative and impactful solutions. Michael’s leadership will be crucial as we reimagine the experience, integrating AI into our product design, newsroom processes, and audience interaction in innovative ways.
Michael’s unique background, combining extensive media experience and leadership in an AI startup, makes him ideally suited to lead TIME’s next phase of innovation. He co-founded Smashing, an AI curation platform backed by venture capital, and has significant experience leading product, content, and partnerships at major publishers like Hearst and Condé Nast.
At Hearst, Michael held several senior positions, including VP of Strategic Partnerships and Development, where he created new revenue streams through content and video partnerships with major tech and social media platforms. He also served as Executive Director and GM of the Men’s Group and The Enthusiast Group, overseeing all digital operations for Esquire, Town & Country, and Runner’s World, among other brands. Earlier in his career at Condé Nast, he was Digital Director of Architectural Digest and Managing Editor of Men’s Vogue.
Michael’s vision and expertise in product, editorial, and technology make him well-equipped to help shape the future of our industry. Reporting directly to me, I am confident that his expertise will drive our digital strategy forward.
Please join me in welcoming Michael to the team!
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