New CNN CEO Mark Thompson is considering a new structure and vision for CNN, and that includes rethinking the news organization’s digital strategy.
To that end, Thompson told employees Wednesday morning that Athan Stephanopoulos, CNN’s executive vice president and chief digital officer, will be leaving the company at the end of January.
“Since his arrival, Athan has been a strong and capable leader of our digital team and a collaborative colleague across the company,” Thompson wrote. “I know that everyone who worked with him at CNN would like to join me in thanking him for everything he has done for us and wishing him every success in his next chapter.”
Stephanopoulos joined CNN in October 2022, taking on a role that was a priority for then-CEO Chris Licht. He was previously president of digital news brand NowThis.
“In my conversations with Mark since his arrival, we agreed on many things, particularly that innovative, high-quality digital news services are becoming increasingly important to CNN’s future success,” Stephanopoulos added in a statement shared by Thompson. “But it also became clear that Mark had his own ideas about how he wanted to organize digital operations. In order to give him the greatest possible freedom to structure and shape the organization in the future, I felt it was the best time to step away from my role and start a new chapter. I sincerely wish CNN and each of you success moving forward.”
A source added that Thompson is expected to unveil a new structure for CNN in the coming weeks, with digital likely to be a crucial part of that strategy.
Read Thompson’s memo:
Out of: Mark Thompson
At your place: Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 9:24 a.m
To: *CNN-Worldwide
Theme: A note from Mark Thompson
Dear guests –
I want to share news with you today: Athan Stephanopoulos has decided to step down as EVP and Chief Digital Officer of CNN.
Since his arrival, Athan has been a strong and capable leader of our digital team and a collaborative colleague across the company. I know that everyone who worked with him at CNN wants to join me in thanking him for everything he has done for us and wishing him success in his next chapter.
Athan wanted to express the following: “In my conversations with Mark since his arrival, we have agreed on many things, particularly that innovative, high-quality digital news services are becoming increasingly important to CNN’s future success. But it also became clear that Mark had his own idea of how he wanted to organize digital processes. In order to give him the greatest possible freedom to structure and shape the organization in the future, I felt it was the best time to step away from my role and start a new chapter. I sincerely wish CNN and each of you success moving forward.”
During the transition, Athan will continue until the end of the month. Please thank him again for his hard work and dedication to CNN.
To mark
