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Mark Thompson Takes Helm as Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide

BBC alum Mark Thompson will assume his new position on October 9, where he is set to spearhead CNN’s global strategy. By: Theng Min Yee

Mark Thompson, a seasoned media executive renowned for his stints as the former director-general of the BBC and president and CEO of The New York Times Company, is set to assume the roles of Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide. His tenure is set to commence on October 9, where he will spearhead CNN's global strategy, oversee operations and business divisions, including its expansive range of networks, channels, and programming spanning broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms. Additionally, Thompson will embrace the role of editor-in-chief, holding ultimate responsibility for all CNN content.

In this pivotal role, Thompson will report directly to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, leveraging his extensive expertise to navigate CNN into the future. Zaslav expressed confidence in Thompson's appointment, highlighting his impressive legacy of transformative leadership in the news domain.

Thompson's sentiment towards his appointment is marked by enthusiasm and determination. "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," he affirmed. Thompson's vision centres on the escalating need for accurate, reliable news in today's world, bolstered by the increasing avenues through which this demand can be met both domestically and internationally. To him, what might be perceived as disruptions in the industry, he envisions as promising opportunities to leverage.

The distinguished media figure has held influential positions, having served as the director-general of the BBC from 2004 to 2012, during which he spearheaded the development of the groundbreaking BBC iPlayer. Thompson's influence extended to his role as president and CEO of The New York Times from 2012 to 2020, where his leadership underscored the evolution of the renowned publication.

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