Sir Mark Thompson, a distinguished figure in the media industry, currently holds the esteemed position of Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide, where he oversees the global business and serves as the editor-in-chief. His multifaceted leadership role – which he assumed a few months ago – extends beyond CNN, encompassing significant leadership positions and contributions to various renowned organizations.
Prior to his position at CNN, Thompson left an indelible mark on The New York Times Company, where he served as President and CEO from 2012 to 2020. During his transformative eight-year tenure, he successfully led the 170-year-old news brand into a digital powerhouse. Under his guidance, digital subscribers surged to nearly 6 million, a significant leap from half a million when he assumed the role. Additionally, the NYTCo stock quintupled in value, reflecting the success of the strategic vision implemented during his leadership.
Thompson’s media journey took a prominent turn during his tenure as the Director General (Editor-in-Chief and Chief Executive) of the BBC from 2004 to 2012. Credited with steering the BBC through the global financial crisis and the 2012 London Olympic Games, he also played a pivotal role in advancing the BBC's digital landscape. The launch of the BBC's iPlayer in 2007 marked a significant milestone as one of the world's first streaming services from a major broadcaster.
Before his time at the BBC, Thompson served as the Chief Executive of Channel 4 from 2002 to 2004. His extensive experience at the BBC included roles such as Editor of The Nine O'clock News and Panorama, Controller of BBC Two, and Director of Television.
Apart from his corporate achievements, he is also an accomplished author, with his book "Enough Said: What’s Gone Wrong with the Language of Politics?" published in the UK and the US in September 2016. Educated at Stonyhurst College and Merton College, Oxford, he holds an honorary fellowship at Merton College and is a member of the American Philosophical Society.
Adding to his illustrious career, Thompson was knighted for his services to media in King Charles III's Birthday Honours in June 2023. Currently based in New York City, the media mastermind is married with three children.