CNN Names New COO and Key News Industry Shifts

CNN has appointed Alex MacCallum as its chief operating officer, a move that signals a strategic prioritization of digital and streaming operations under the leadership of CEO Mark Thompson.

MacCallum, who previously served as the executive vice president of digital products and services for two years, replaces David Leavy in the role. In a memo to employees sent on April 10, 2026, Thompson stated that MacCallum is already playing a crucial role in turning our vision of the future CNN into a reality.

Alex has already achieved an impressive set of critical accomplishments in record time

Mark Thompson

The expanded responsibilities for the chief operating officer now include oversight of consumer strategy, operations, mission-driven project work, and strategic partnerships and business development. MacCallum will also continue to manage the network’s product and digital revenue and operations group.

Digital and Streaming Strategy

The promotion follows a series of digital initiatives led by MacCallum, including the launch of the All Access subscription tier in October, which provides a streaming feed of the linear network. She also spearheaded the CNN Express FAST channel and the development of an upcoming weather service.

Thompson has focused on integrating digital operations with the network’s linear business as the industry faces challenges from cord-cutting and a general shift toward social media and streaming platforms.

MacCallum’s professional history includes serving as the chief revenue officer at The Washington Post. Her previous tenure at CNN included roles as the global head of product for CNN Worldwide and general manager of CNN+, a service that was shut down by parent company Warner Bros. Discovery shortly after its launch.

Additional Personnel Changes

CNN also announced the addition of two new members to its reporting staff.

• Patrick Svitek is joining as a Washington, D.C.-based reporter from The Washington Post. Svitek will join the political team to cover the 2026 midterm races, the 2028 presidential contest, and major political trends.
• Carolina Peguero has joined as a CNN en Español news correspondent based in Miami. Peguero, previously a news anchor at TelevisaUnivision and contributor to the VIX digital news platform, will cover economic and immigration policies in South Florida.

Industry Moves

Beyond CNN, other news organizations have announced leadership and staffing changes. ABC News appointed Leslie Lopez as its New York-based meteorologist, with her tenure beginning on April 10, 2026.