Time person of the year
In September, TIME’s editorial team convened to engage in the annual, spirited discussion surrounding the selection of TIME’s Person of the Year. Lively debates and passionate exchanges characterize this tradition as we deliberate on the individual or group that wielded the most significant influence, whether for positive or negative impact, among the nearly 8 billion people alive today. From this initial discourse, dedicated teams of reporters embarked on covering the most promising candidates. The culmination of these efforts is the very issue you now hold in your hands, adorned with words, photographs, and videos that grace your screens.
Sam Lansky, who authored this year’s profile on Taylor Swift, boasts a decade-long acquaintance with the singer through his editorial work. Earlier this autumn, Lansky engaged in an extensive conversation with Swift at her residence, marking her first in-depth dialogue with a journalist in almost four years. Captured through the lens of
In the 2023 CEO of the Year feature, Naina Bajekal and Billy Perrigo embarked on a visit to San Francisco to meet with Sam Altman. Throughout November, Altman engaged in discussions with TIME on three occasions, both before and following his departure and subsequent reinstatement as the head of the world’s most influential AI company. Their profile, complemented by captivating portraits crafted by photographer Joe Pugliese, presents a meticulous chronicle of those tumultuous days.
Sean Gregory, who has penned or co-penned all of TIME’s Athlete of the Year profiles since the inception of this accolade in 2019, delves into this year’s edition featuring Lionel Messi. Messi stands as one of the most triumphant soccer players in history, and for this issue, Sean conducted an interview and crafted a profile that delves into Messi’s extraordinary journey. The accompanying cover image, a creation by illustrator Neil Jamieson, pays homage to this legendary athlete and fervent soccer aficionado.
Karl Vick visited Israel after the October 7 Hamas massacre, also for this issue. Karl, the former head of TIME’s bureau in Israel, and staff writer Yasmeen Serhan, who works out of London, set out to identify people who have changed the lives of their fellow citizens since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Moises Saman, a Magnum photographer, captured portraits to go with their narratives.
Katherine Pomerantz, Dilys Ng, Sangsuk Sylvia Kang, and Kara Milstein supervised the issue’s photography. Justine Simons and Alex Robson managed video production. Art direction was led by Chelsea Kardokus, Chrissy Dunleavy, and D.W. Pine, who has curated 14 years of Person of the Year covers. Samantha Cooney spearheaded the digital-audience strategy, aided by Meg Zukin. Liz Murray oversaw digital production, while Kelly Conniff, alongside Lori Fradkin, guided the entire project. “This issue showcases the diverse forms influence can take,” Kelly remarked. “Featuring newsworthy interviews with Altman, Messi, and Swift, three immensely captivating figures, each for vastly different reasons, makes this year’s Person of the Year edition especially remarkable.