BBC Alum Mark Thompson to Lead CNN Worldwide

Mark Thompson, former director-general of the BBC and president and CEO of The New York Times Company, has been appointed chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide.

Effective on October 9, 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, responsible for all CNN content.

Thompson will report to David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery. 

“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 Zaslav. “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.”

“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.”

Thompson served as director-general of the BBC from 2004 to 2012, and during that time, led the development of the BBC iPlayer. He served as president and CEO of The New York Times from 2012 to 2020.