Reem Akkad, formerly a top editor at The Washington Post, has been named managing editor of The Marshall Project, the Pulitzer Prize-winning nonprofit newsroom that covers the U.S. criminal justice system.
At the Post, Akkad quickly rose from senior producer for original video to senior international editor to deputy head of visuals. In those roles, Akkad was heralded for her creativity, ability to collaborate across departments, editorial acumen and generosity as a colleague.
“I couldn’t be happier to welcome Reem to the team to serve as my partner in overseeing a newsroom dedicated to high-impact investigative work focused on inequities within the justice system,” said Jennifer Peter, editor-in-chief of The Marshall Project. “Reem brings the perfect mix of investigative rigor and journalistic innovation to help lead this enterprise.”
A visual journalist by training, Akkad rounded out her experience on the Post’s international desk, honing her line-editing skills and serving for nine months as editor for the Americas, leading international reporting on tariffs, immigration and cultural stories from the region.
Projects she helped spearhead — about the opioid and fentanyl crises, and the war in Gaza — have been honored as Pulitzer finalists.
“I have long admired the mission-driven work of The Marshall Project,” Akkad said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to support this talented newsroom.”
Akkad joins The Marshall Project at a critical moment, as it seeks to bring its award-winning investigations to new audiences and ramp up its video storytelling strategy, while also helping readers understand the impact immigration enforcement is having on the justice system.
She will serve as Peter’s deputy, overseeing a news team of 60.
