executive

CNN has named former New York Times CEO Mark Thompson as its new chief executive. Thompson has been a leader in the media industry for over 30 years. For the past six years he has served as CEO of The New York Times Co., leading Times’ journalists in their pursuit of quality journalism and innovative reader experiences.

Thompson has also served as the CEO of BBC and taught a course in Global Media and Communications at Oxford University.

In a statement CNN President Jeff Zucker said, “Mark is an ideal CEO for CNN. His extensive experience in operations and digital, combined with his superb track record in leading transformational change at some of the largest media organizations in the world, makes him the right choice for this moment.”

Thompson brings to CNN a global perspective and deep understanding of leading media institutions. As the head of CNN, he will focus on continuing to build the CNN brand through advancing its technology, strengthening its editorial capabilities, and growing its audiences both domestically and internationally.