Thompson started this role in October and hasn’t looked back—there hasn’t been time. His first day at CNN came two days after the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, and he quickly mobilized the team through one of the biggest stories of the year. He has a lot of experience to draw on, with more than 40 years in news, including leadership roles at The New York Times and BBC. In fact, last June he was knighted for services to media in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours. Thompson has a big task ahead of him as he seeks to push CNN into new digital territory while continuing to provide thoughtful storytelling and breaking news coverage. Oh, and it’s also a presidential election year!