Business
Mark Thompson Named Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide
Former director-general of the BBC and president and CEO of The New York Times Company to take the helm of the premiere global news organization NEW YORK,
About this update from Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. - Series A
[{"type":"text","content":"Former director-general of the BBC and president and CEO of The New York Times Company to take the helm of the premiere global news organization\nNEW YORK, Aug. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- News industry leader Mark Thompson has been appointed to the role of Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide. Thompson will report to David Zaslav, chief executive officer, Warner Bros. Discovery, and the appointment will be effective on October 9.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \nIn his new role, Thompson will lead CNN's strategy, operations and business units, including its global portfolio of networks, channels and programming across broadcast, streaming and digital as well as CNN's approximately 4,000 employees worldwide. He will act as editor-in-chief, ultimately responsible for all CNN content.\n\"There isn't a more experienced, respected or capable executive in the news business today than Mark, and we are thrilled to have him join our team and lead CNN Worldwide into the future,\" said David Zaslav, chief executive officer, Warner Bros. Discovery. \"Mark is a true innovator who has transformed for the digital age two of the world's most respected news organizations. His strategic vision, track record in transformational leadership and sheer passion for news make him a formidable force for CNN and journalism at this pivotal time.\"\n\"I couldn't be more excited about the chance to join CNN after years of watching it and competing against it with a mixture of admiration and envy,\" said Thompson. \"The world needs accurate trustworthy news now more than ever and we've never had more ways of meeting that need at home and abroad. Where others see disruption, I see opportunity. I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and get down to work with my new colleagues to build a successful future for CNN.\"\nA 40-plus-year veteran of the news business, Thompson has a formidable reputation as a programmer, editorial leader and successful business innovator. As president and CEO of The New York Times from 2012-2020, he led the creation of the world's largest and most successful digital business to date, increasing paid digital subscriptions to the Times tenfold and more than doubling the company's total digital revenues. During his tenure, there were also stand-out innovations in podcasting (The Daily) and life-style and features content (NYT Cooking, NYT Games, Wirecutt...