CNN has selected Chris Wiggins, who spent more than a decade as chief data scientist at The New York Times, to the newly created role of head of machine learning and AI science.
Wiggins’ hiring was announced in an internal memo to CNN staff on Monday. At the news organization, he will lead a team that “optimizes the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve outcomes across the company, from maximizing advertising and subscriber revenue, to creating unique and personalized experiences for users, to helping editorial teams leverage data tools to make reporting and programming decisions,” according to the announcement.
According to CNN, the AI team led by Wiggins will be comprised of engineers and data scientists who are “already doing this work at CNN and are bringing together existing teams under new leadership.” Wiggins and his new team will be part of CNN’s digital products and services organization and will be based in the New York bureau.
Wiggins will report to Kendell Timmers, CNN’s senior vice president of data analysis, science and insights. He previously served as SVP and head of data and insights at The New York Times. Mr. Timmers joined CNN in September 2024.
Since 2013, Mr. Wiggins had been chief data scientist at The Times. In this paper, he led efforts including a project designed to improve the effectiveness of digital paywalls through machine learning. Develop an AI-powered content recommendation system that combines editorial judgment and optimization. Creating AI-powered advertising products such as BrandMatch.
Wiggins is also an associate professor of applied mathematics at Columbia University. He holds a BA in Physics with minors in Mathematics and Religion from Columbia University and a PhD in Theoretical Physics from Princeton University.
CNN said Wiggins joined the company as part of its “transformation into a best-in-class digital organization” focused on streaming, mobile and lifestyle products. Other recent hires in this space include Ashley Nutter, senior vice president of product management and design, formerly senior vice president of Twitch advertising and sponsorship products at Amazon, and Sam Felix, senior vice president of strategic partnerships and business development, former vice president of platform strategy and partnerships at The New York Times.
