Jessica Giles to Lead Code and Theory’s New Media Experience Practice

Under pressure like never before, the media and publishing industry is in the midst of a revolution. Distribution channels are becoming less reliable, AI is changing consumer behavior and the industry’s long-standing economic models are facing disruption. Survival in the industry requires reinvention and Code and Theory is leading the charge.

To help the media and publishing survive and thrive within the changing landscape, Code and Theory has named Jessica Giles, former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, to the newly created position of managing director of Code and Theory’s Media Experience Practice.  

Building upon Code and Theory’s best-in-class work, which has already propelled the success of 200 newsrooms, Jessica will lead a team of core experts to tackle the media and publishing’s biggest challenges. This means imagining next-generation experiences that differentiate content, drive new types of monetisation and engage communities in new ways. Jessica will help publishers exploit the once-in-a-generation moment that AI is giving publishers to innovate.

While at Cosmopolitan, Jessica led the brand to reach its largest audience in history by modernising its content, strategies and operations to engage new generations of consumers. She also built first-to-market platforms and digital products with partners like OpenAI and Google. She edited award-winning journalism and was named Adweek’s Editor of the Year in 2019. 

Previously, she oversaw the digital transformation of Marie Claire and played a key role in the evolution of Teen Vogue and Glamour. Now at Code and Theory, Jessica will leverage her expertise to help publishers create the next generation of AI-enabled experiences while unlocking new monetization models and untapped consumer loyalty. Jessica joins at a pivotal moment to elevate Code and Theory’s rich history and momentum within the media and publishing world.

For 23 years, Code and Theory has helped publishers chart a path through major disruptions, creating change with some of the most reputable global media companies, including BBC, Bloomberg, Guardian, NBC Olympics, NBC News, TechCrunch and Vogue, and challenger brands, including The Daily Beast, The Verge and Mashable. 

During recent elections, Code and Theory drove innovation in data storytelling by bringing NBC's Big Board to life, reimagining CNN’s Magic Wall and debuting an AI tool called ContextLens on RealClearPolling. 

Jessica says, “Being an editor-in-chief in the modern media landscape is, in many ways, like steering a ship through choppy waters. Publishers need a fierce partner with sea legs and a clear vision for navigating what comes next. My experience in staying ahead of trends, adapting to change and thriving in the face of disruption positions me to give them an edge. I can’t wait to hit the ground running at Code and Theory, where the biggest names turn when they need bold ideas.”

Dan Gardner, co-founder and executive chair of Code and Theory, says, “Media brands can no longer afford to lag in innovation - they must be the architects of their entire ecosystems. This shift demands ownership of distribution, monetisation and, most importantly, creativity. The days of simply 'creating content' are long gone. What better way to amplify the value of what Code and Theory offers than by partnering with an industry powerhouse and unrivalled leader like Jessica?"

Michael Treff, CEO of Code and Theory, says, “Having been fans of Jess for years, we brought her in to build on the groundbreaking work we’ve done in the publishing industry over the last two decades. The combination of her extensive experience and our deep expertise in publishing experiences and technology will allow us to accelerate the industry's ongoing transformation, both from a business and experience perspective.”