LONDON (AP) — In BBC boss Mark Thompson, the New York Times has chosen a chief executive who has never worked at a newspaper — but has plenty of experience reshaping a venerable media institution for the digital age.

During eight years in charge of the BBC, Thompson became unpopular with some staff for cutting jobs, eliminating services and slashing pensions.

But he also oversaw expansion of the British broadcaster's multimedia offerings through websites, download services and digital channels — all showcased to impressive effect during the London Olympics.