The New York Times Co. named outgoing BBC head Mark Thompson as its next chief executive, saying it valued his record in helping the British broadcaster expand online. Times Chairman Arthur Sulzberger Jr. called Thompson a "gifted executive" and hailed his ability to generate revenue from new types of products. In particular, the Times Co. cited the BBC's multimedia offerings during the London Olympics. Thompson replaces Janet Robinson, who resigned as CEO in December. Thompson will move from the U.K. to New York and begin in November.