CNN Names Mark Thompson Its New CEO, Replacing Ousted Leader Chris Licht

Mark Thompson.Photo:Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty

Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty

CNN has a new CEO, the network announced Wednesday. Mark Thompson, former chief executive ofThe New York Timesand director-general of the BBC, will take over as chief executive and chairman beginning 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,” David Zaslav, the chief executive of CNN parent company Warner Bros. Discovery, said in a statement issued Wednesday.

Former CNN CEO and Chairman Chris Licht.Mike Coppola/Getty

Mike Coppola/Getty

Journalist Tim Alberta spent months speaking with Licht for the JuneAtlanticprofile, which painted Licht as an executive who is out of touch with his employees, many of whom reacted to the profile with disappointment.

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav sent an internal memo to CNN employees announcing Licht’s departure days after the profile was published, a move that many saw coming after a slew of missteps damaged company morale and tanked the network’s viewership.

“Unfortunately, things did not work out the way we had hoped — and ultimately that’s on me,” Zaslav continued. “I take responsibility. Needless to say, we appreciate Chris’ efforts and dedication and wish him all the best.”

Speaking to PEOPLE shortly after Licht’s ouster, one former CNN employee said that office morale has already seen improvement, and that staffers were “celebrating in the newsrooms.”

“They say his office being on the high floor, the private planes and theTrump Town Hallwere bad move after bad move,” the source said at the time, referencing adisastrous town hall with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, which saw the former president repeatedly bulldoze moderatorKaitlan Collinsand make largely unchecked claims on live television.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer.

At a staff meeting after the town hall, Licht reportedly defended the broadcast to staff members, evenpromoting Collins to a primetime slotthe following week.

Licht took over running the network in February 2022 after former CEOJeff Zuckerabruptly resigned. Since then, CNN hostBrian Stelterexited the network following the cancellation of his morning showReliable Sources,and hostJohn Hardwoodleft amid several changes at the network. Longtime anchorDon Lemonwas alsofired from the networkin April.

source: people.com