Forbes editor out; report says he took $6M from founder of firm that does business with magazine

August 14, 2026 - 01:18

The top editor at Forbes is out of his role following a report that he received millions of dollars from a man whose company regularly works with the magazine. The New York Times detailed this week that the editor, whose name has not been officially confirmed in the announcement, took a $6 million payment from RJ Shook. Shook is the founder of Shook Research, a firm that has partnered with Forbes for years on ranking lists and other content.

The payment reportedly came to light during an internal review. Forbes has not issued a public statement explaining the exact reason for the editor's departure, but sources familiar with the matter say the payment was a clear violation of company policy. The arrangement raised immediate questions about editorial independence, as Shook Research's work often involved promoting financial advisors on Forbes platforms.

This is not the first time Forbes has faced scrutiny over its business practices. The magazine has long blurred the line between advertising and editorial content, especially with its popular "best of" lists. In this case, the editor's personal financial tie to a partner firm appears to have crossed a line that even Forbes could not ignore.

The editor had been with the publication for several years and was known for overseeing digital growth. His sudden exit leaves a leadership gap at a time when the media industry is already struggling with trust issues. Shook has not commented publicly on the report. Forbes has said it is conducting a full review of its relationships with outside contributors and partners.