Charlotte Triggs shares her inspiring journey from intern to Editor-In-Chief and General Manager of PEOPLE magazine.


It was a well-guarded secret. NDAs were signed.

Only after those agreements could Editor-in-Chief Charlotte Triggs discuss the latest issue featuring Anne Hathaway ahead of its launch during a chat with Karen Finerman on How She Does It. The "World’s Most Beautiful" issue is one of the flagship releases for the magazine, alongside the "Sexiest Man Alive" edition. Triggs has led this initiative since early 2025.

Behind The Cover

“She was my absolute top choice. I can hardly believe it happened,” Triggs expressed about choosing Anne Hathaway for the cover.

Securing this decision was a priority for Triggs, as she encouraged her team to start planning earlier than in past years. They face competition from magazines like Vogue and Vanity Fair for star-studded covers.

Triggs acknowledges that timing plays a crucial role in the selection process. They consider who might be willing to participate in a major interview and photo shoot. “I analyze upcoming movie releases and notable events around April and May. When I learned about the upcoming release of 'Devil Wears Prada 2,' I was thrilled,” Triggs recounted.

Hathaway, with five films launching this year, embodies what PEOPLE has aimed to capture for over 52 years: Who’s trending? Who's at the forefront of pop culture? What must I know about current events?

Reporting From the Front Lines of Pop Culture

Triggs began her career at PEOPLE right after college, thanks to an internship she secured through the American Society of Magazine Editors. In a pivotal moment, she could have been placed at any magazine, including, as she humorously mentions, Field & Stream. She knows a career there would have been less likely given her lack of interest in fishing.

However, PEOPLE felt like the right environment for her.

“My initial assignment involved exploring '90s stars and their current lives. I treated it like a thesis... and it was enjoyable. I realized this was a real job, creating content that people would actually read and appreciate,” she shared.

It was a rewarding revelation. Her first passion was ballet, which she pursued intensely before realizing it wasn’t her path.

“The competition in ballet is fierce, and if you’re not at the top, landing a job is challenging,” Triggs reflected. Yet, she believes her dance training has greatly benefited her career.

“Ballet can be incredibly stressful. Having trained under strict Russian instructors, I’ve had colleagues in the corporate world express admiration for my ability to handle pressure. I tell them, I’ve been trained by the Russians!” she laughed.

Building a Career in a Changing Landscape

Today’s PEOPLE, under Triggs’ leadership, is vastly different from when she joined over 20 years ago. The industry has evolved, with print sales declining and a stronger focus on digital content. Since taking the helm in early 2025, Triggs is the first Editor-in-Chief to oversee both print and digital under one structure.

As PEOPLE adapted, so did Triggs. Throughout her career, she’s reported and edited various content, from the Style section to the plastic surgery beat, produced their podcast, and took on digital roles at a time when it was viewed as secondary to print.

“Throughout my career, I’ve assessed what’s next for me,” Triggs noted. “It isn’t always clear, so I ask myself, what skills do I need to develop to get there?”

Another guiding principle has been to advocate for herself.

“I’ve consistently done this throughout my career,” Triggs shared. “When I see someone at a higher position leaving, I think I could step into that role. I ask for it!”

Working Mom’s Not-Always-Glamorous Life

As Editor-in-Chief, Triggs gets an up-close view of pop culture, whether it’s interviewing Anne Hathaway or attending the Grammy Awards Red Carpet. However, she emphasizes that awards shows aren’t always the glamorous experiences they appear to be.

“We produce a live Red-Carpet pre-show and have clients with us, so on Grammy night, I’m not focused on having fun. I’m intensely focused on our responsibilities,” Triggs explained.

This demanding role sometimes keeps her away from her family. Triggs and her husband are raising three daughters in New Jersey, with their oldest being 11 and their twins aged 9. Nevertheless, her children enjoy the perks of having the Editor-in-Chief of PEOPLE as their mom; they met 2025’s “Sexiest Man Alive,” Jonathan Bailey, at a special screening of Wicked: For Good.

The Next Big Issue: “Sexiest Man Alive”

Coming soon is PEOPLE’s next major issue, the “Sexiest Man Alive,” set to be unveiled in late October. This tradition, which started with Mel Gibson in 1985, has honored Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Johnny Depp, and Richard Gere multiple times.

“I was an intern in 2004 and began full-time in 2005. My first SMA was Matthew McConaughey,” Triggs recalled.

True to her goal of advancing her team’s planning, Triggs revealed she already knows who will grace this year’s cover.

“I’ve made my choice... and it’s exhilarating. I consulted my daughters about several candidates, which helped clarify our direction,” Triggs shared.

The countdown is on!