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Editor Fired Over $6 Million "Gift"
25 Aug
Summary
- Former editor fired after receiving $6 million payment.
- Payment was for services rendered during a company sale.
- Neither party disclosed the substantial transaction.
A former editor was terminated after accepting a $6 million payment from a business associate, RJ Shook. Shook stated the funds were a recognition of services and guidance provided by the editor during the sale of Shook Research to PPC Enterprises. The sale of a controlling stake in Shook Research, a company that produces financial professional rankings for Forbes, was completed in July 2025.
Neither Shook nor the editor disclosed this substantial payment to Forbes or PPC Enterprises. The editor, who had previously characterized the sum as a gift, acknowledged that failing to disclose it was a significant error in judgment. This oversight ultimately led to his dismissal in July 2026 after Forbes discovered the payment.
The fallout has extended beyond the editor's firing. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management announced last week that it has suspended its participation in the Forbes-Shook rankings. Forbes stated it has not found evidence that its rankings or editorial decisions were compromised and is conducting an independent review.
