Randall Lane

Randall is a unique and talented leader at Forbes. A true innovator, he’s the creator of many of Forbes’ popular editorial franchises.Mike Federle, CEO of Forbes Media

Want to get inside the minds of some of the world’s foremost billionaires, CEOs, and entrepreneurs? To better understand the hallmarks of progressive leadership, adaptive thinking, and lightening-quick innovation? Look no further than Randall Lane, the Chief Content Officer at Forbes Media and Editor of Forbes Magazine. The defining voice of entrepreneurial capitalism, with a foundation of over 100 years, Forbes ranks as the largest global business media brand in the world. Under Lane’s dynamic leadership, the magazine experienced growth in a time when many other publications were folding. Lane increased readership to historic highs: 71.1 million for digital, and 6.8 million for print. In addition to his editorial responsibilities—he continues to write in-depth, thoughtful business stories—Lane developed two of the company’s major annual events. The Forbes 400 Summit on Philanthropy is a gathering of philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, and business leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most critical problems. His other project, 30 Under 30, started off as an annual list of America’s entrepreneurial trailblazers. It eventually expanded into lists for Asia, Europe, and Africa—and now hosts a yearly conference of game-changers and industry-shakers in each continent.

Lane started his career as a reporter, staff writer, and Washington Bureau Chief at Forbes magazine, but left to pursue his own entrepreneurial ventures. He co-founded P.O.V., a magazine that was named Adweek’s Start-Up of the Year, and served as Founder and CEO of Doubledown Media, a publisher that produced six magazines, including Trader Monthly and Dealmaker. As a result, Lane returned to Forbes with a wealth of hands-on entrepreneurial experience: “I used to think chronicling the world’s greatest business minds made me a great entrepreneur, but I now realize my time as an entrepreneur made me an acute business journalist,” he says.

A fluid speaker and a regular on MSNBC’s Morning Joe and other television programs, Lane sits on the board of directors of Global Citizen and Just Capital, chairs the advisory board of Last Mile Health, and also serves on the Board of Overseers of Columbia’s School of Professional Studies. He also sits on three  boards affiliated with his alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a degree in History and Political Science. In addition to his business reporting, Lane has authored two books: The Zeroes: My Misadventures in the Decade Wall Street Went Insane and You Only Have to Be Right Once: The Rise of the Instant Billionaires Behind Spotify, Airbnb, Whatsapp, and 13 Other Amazing Startups.