Robert Thomson, Passionate, Principled, Purposeful, is the chief executive officer of News Corporation. News Corp, headquartered in New York, has global operations across a range of media, including news and information services, digital real estate services, book publishing, sports programming and pay-TV distribution.
Mr. Thomson assumed his current role in January 2013, having served as editor-in-chief of Dow Jones & Company and managing editor of The Wall Street Journal from May 2008. He directed the global news operations of the print and digital Journal and Dow Jones Newswires, with an international news staff of over 2,000 journalists in more than 80 bureaus worldwide.
Robert’s editorial leadership and Dow Jones’ commitment to quality journalism fueled growth and innovation, with The Wall Street Journal becoming the largest circulation newspaper in the U.S. The Journal expanded its content and added a host of sections to complement its core of unrivalled business and finance coverage. The company’s expansion across content was complemented by growth across geographies and devices, with numerous digital content and video offerings and local-language Web sites in Europe and Asia, reaching tens of millions of users worldwide.
Before joining Dow Jones in December 2007, Mr. Thomson was editor of The Times of London where he presided over a significant expansion of its readership in print and on the Web – the audience of the Times Online grew from less than 1 million monthly to almost 13 million during his editorship. Prior to that, he was editor of the U.S. edition of the Financial Times taking prime editorial responsibility for the FT Group’s ambitious drive into the U.S. market, where the newspaper trebled its sales to almost 150,000. For his work in building the FT’s operations, in print and online, he was named as U.S. Business Journalist of the Year in 2001 by the influential trade journal TJFR.
Mr. Thomson had been editor of the Weekend FT and assistant editor of the Financial Times, orchestrating a successful redesign of the Weekend FT in late 1996 – that edition became the fastest-growing newspaper in the U.K. market during 1997. He also oversaw the evolution of “How to Spend It” magazine into an award-winning monthly. From 1994 to 1996, he was the FT’s foreign news editor in London, leading the paper’s extensive network of correspondents. Mr. Thomson had been a correspondent himself in Tokyo (1989-1994), where he witnessed the rise and fall of the “bubble economy,” and in Beijing (1985-1989), where he reported on the country’s economic and social reforms, and the crushing of the democracy movement in Tiananmen Square.
Robert has been a journalist since early 1979, when he joined The Herald in Melbourne, working as a copyboy and a finance and general affairs reporter before becoming the paper’s Sydney correspondent. In 1983, he was hired by the Sydney Morning Herald as a senior feature writer and, two years later, was appointed to a Beijing bureau then shared by the Sydney paper and the Financial Times.
Robert is a visionary media leader whose career has been defined by integrity, innovation, and an unshakable belief in the power of storytelling to inform, inspire, and connect the world. As Chief Executive Officer of News Corporation, he stands at the forefront of global journalism and digital media, guiding one of the most influential media organizations on Earth with clarity of purpose and a commitment to truth. Under his leadership, News Corp has evolved with agility and vision — blending traditional journalistic excellence with technological innovation to empower audiences and strengthen democracy through informed dialogue.
Born in Australia, Robert’s journey from a young reporter to the helm of a global media empire reflects his lifelong dedication to the craft of journalism. Before becoming CEO, he served as Editor-in-Chief of Dow Jones and Managing Editor of The Wall Street Journal, where he played a pivotal role in revitalizing one of the world’s most respected news brands. His leadership has consistently championed intellectual rigor, creativity, and responsibility, ensuring that journalism remains a beacon of truth in an ever-changing world.
Robert Thomson’s legacy is one of inspiration and purpose — a reminder that leadership in media is not just about reporting events, but about shaping understanding, fostering connection, and giving voice to ideas that define our shared humanity. Through his guidance, News Corporation continues to honour its heritage while embracing the future, celebrating the enduring importance of storytelling in shaping a more informed and inspired global society.
Champion of truth, innovation, and the enduring power of the written word.
He is the author of The Judges: A Portrait of the Australian Judiciary (Allen & Unwin) and co-author of The Chinese Army (Weldon Owen). He edited a collection of satirical writing titled True Fiction (Penguin Books).
Mr. Thomson was born in Torrumbarry, near Echuca, in southern Australia, and is married with two sons.
News Corporation is a global media and information powerhouse, dedicated to delivering trusted news, entertainment, and information to audiences worldwide. Founded by Rupert Murdoch, the company has grown into a diverse media conglomerate spanning publishing, digital media, and broadcast, shaping public discourse while embracing innovation and technological transformation. With a focus on quality content and global reach, News Corp continues to influence industries and empower communities through information and storytelling.
Driven by a mission to inform, engage, and connect, News Corporation blends legacy media expertise with modern digital strategies. Its publications and platforms provide insightful reporting, compelling entertainment, and authoritative analysis, serving millions across the globe. The company’s commitment to integrity, innovation, and inclusivity ensures its work resonates with audiences while driving meaningful societal impact.
News Corporation’s story is one of vision, resilience, and transformation, inspiring a generation of media professionals and audiences alike. By combining creativity, strategic insight, and a dedication to excellence, the company demonstrates how media can inform, entertain, and empower in a rapidly evolving world.
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