Less than a week after it was reported he was being eyed for the top spot, CNN has officially named Mark Thompson as its new Chairman and CEO.
“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,” Thompson said in a statement announcing the move. “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.”
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav championed Thompson as a “true innovator who has transformed for the digital age two of the world’s most respected news organizations,” referring to his time leading The New York Times and BBC.
“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,” continued Zaslav. “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.”
Thompson led the BBC from 2004 to 2012 before ultimately ascending to the CEO role at The New York Times. He departed the venerable outlet in 2020. Earlier this year, Thompson was Knighted by King Charles III for his services to British media.
The 66-year-old will step into the role previously held by Chris Licht, who departed the network in June after a tumultuous tenure that ended after a disastrous profile with The Atlantic questioned his ability to lead the outlet going forward.
