Stephanopoulos takes top digital role at CNN Worldwide

Athan Stephanopoulos has been named EVP and chief digital officer of CNN Worldwide, reporting to CNN chairman and CEO Chris Licht. In this role, Stephanopoulos will oversee the digital worldwide business, including editorial, product, technology, business operations and innovation strategies.

Athan Stephanopoulos

Licht said: “I am thrilled Athan is joining CNN. His vision for digital journalism, alongside his leadership and business acumen, is exactly what we need to build CNN’s digital future. I’m also pleased to announce the promotion of Wendy Brundige (now SVP of CNN Digital Worldwide). Wendy’s editorial instincts, operations and business expertise and knowledge of CNN and its people make her a key leader.”

Stephanopoulos joins CNN after more than eight years at NowThis, where he served as president and led the brand to become one of the largest and fastest growing digital news outlets for a young Gen Z and Millennial audience. In his role as president, Stephanopoulos oversaw all operations of the brand – including editorial, revenue, product and technology strategy, audience development and data insights.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join CNN at this unprecedented time in news,” said Stephanopoulos. “CNN’s digital reach around the world is truly unrivaled and its digital offering is best-in-class, and yet there is still so much opportunity for growth and innovation to move CNN into the future. I look forward to working with Chris and the entire CNN team to drive deeper engagement among existing audiences online, as well as expand the brand’s digital reach to new audiences around the globe.”

Stephanopoulos will begin his new role on November 14 and be based out of CNN’s New York bureau. His appointment came hot on the heels of a memo from Licht in which he warned of imminent cutback to staffing and budgets.