Former BBC DG Thompson to helm New York Times

BBC director-general Mark Thompson is to become president of the CEO of The New York Times later this year.

Thompson will relocate to New York and start at the newspaper publisher in November, reporting to chairman Arthur Sulzberger Jr. He will also join the company’s board of directors.

“The New York Times is one of the world’s greatest news providers and a media brand of immense future potential both in the US and around the world. It is a real privilege to be asked to join the Times Company as it embarks on the next chapter in its history,” said Thompson. “I’m particularly excited to be coming to The New York Times Company as it extends its influence digitally and globally. I look forward to working with the board, Arthur and his highly talented management team to build on the success that has already been achieved and to explore new ways of bringing journalism of exceptional quality, integrity and depth to readers and users everywhere.”

Thompson was appointed as BBC director-general in 2004, following the resignation of Greg Dyke, and was previously CEO of Channel 4 for two years.