Mark Thompson Named New CNN CEO 12 Weeks After Chris Licht's Ouster
Former New York Times president and CEO Mark Thompson has been appointed to the role of Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide, Warner Bros. Discovery announced Wednesday. Thompson will be in charge of the network's strategy, operations and business units, including its global portfolio and 4,000 international employees. His appointment will be effective as of Oct. 9.
"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, CEO of 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."
"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 in a statement. "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."
A 40-year-plus veteran of the news business, Thompson served as president and CEO of The New York Times from 2012-2020, leading the creation of the world's largest and most successful digital business to date, and more than doubling the company's total digital revenues. He has served as Chairman of Ancestry since December 2020.
Before that, Thompson was CEO and editor-in-chief of the BBC from 2004-2012, where he presided over one of the world's biggest newsrooms, and led the development of the BBC iPlayer, the world's first streaming service from a major broadcaster. Before becoming a senior executive, he was a working researcher, director, field producer and showrunner in the BBC's news division.
The news comes 12 weeks after the exit of CNN's former chairman and CEO Chris Licht, who stepped down one month after a widely-criticized CNN town hall event with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, and in the wake of a less-than-flattering profile via The Atlantic. Licht unsuccessfully attempted some damage control after the piece's publication, which painted him as an exec obsessed with following Zaslav's marching orders to better platform Republican views, and saw him badmouthing predecessor Jeff Zucker's reign.