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Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) has tapped Mark Thompson as the new leader of CNN, picking a new direction for its news network after parting ways with short-time chief Chris Licht earlier this year.
Thompson — formerly director-general of the BBC and president and CEO of The New York Times Co. — takes over as chairman and chief executive officer of CNN Worldwide, reporting to WBD CEO David Zaslav.
The move is effective Oct. 9.
Thompson takes over from a group of interim leaders who will maintain functional roles and now report into the new chief: Amy Entelis, head of Talent and Content Development; David Leavy, chief operating officer; Virginia Moseley, head of Editorial for CNN U.S.; and Eric Sherling, head of U.S. Programming.
Thompson will serve as editor in chief, with responsibility for all CNN content, and also lead CNN’s strategy, operations and business units.
“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,” Zaslav said. “Mark is a true innovator who has transformed for the digital age two of the world’s most respected news organizations.”
Thompson left NYT in 2020 after eight years with the company, and had previously served as director-general (CEO and editor-in-chief) of the BBC. Licht was ousted in June after a chaotic year and growing discord at CNN.
