The board of trustees of the National Geographic Society has announced that Gary E. Knell has been selected to succeed John M. Fahey as president and chief executive officer. Fahey will continue to serve as chairman of the board. Knell's appointment will occur later this year, following a transition from his current role as president and CEO of National Public Radio.
Knell has served as president and CEO of National Public Radio, one of the country's most influential news organisations, since December 2011. Under his leadership, NPR has solidified its position in a rapidly changing media environment due to Knell's ability to leverage the organisation's extensive network of member stations, drive cross-platform journalism and cultural programming, grow philanthropic and corporate underwriting support and draw new audiences to NPR's distinct offerings. A strong advocate of innovation, Knell has made possible the exploration of new technologies that advance NPR's core mission and grow audience for all of public media.
Knell is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He serves on the board of governors of the National Geographic Education Foundation and the boards of trustees of the National Geographic Society; Heidrick & Struggles, an executive search firm; the Jacob Burns Film Center; and Common Sense Media. He is an adviser to the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California and the Military Child Education Coalition.
