by: Christine Haughney and Amy Chozick | New York Times

The New York Times Co. has named Mark Thompson, the outgoing director general of the British Broadcasting Corporation, as its new president and chief executive.

Arthur Sulzberger Jr., the chairman of the Times Co. and the newspaper’s publisher, announced the appointment late Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Thompson, 55, will join the company in November. In addition to his executive roles, he will also sit on the board of directors.