CNN has tapped Mark Thompson to become the network’s next leader, the company announced Wednesday morning.

Thompson, who previously worked as the chief executive of The New York Times and director-general of the BBC, succeeds Chris Licht, whose tumultuous tenure saw the network’s ratings and employees’ morale drop.

“Mark is a true innovator who has transformed for the digital age two of the world’s most respected news organizations,” David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, said in a statement. “His strategic vision, track record in transformational leadership and sheer passion for news make him a formidable force for CNN and journalism at this pivotal time.”