Caro Kriel is the Chief Executive of Thomson Foundation, a London and Berlin based nonprofit supporting independent media and strengthening access to trusted information worldwide. An award winning journalist and media executive, she previously held senior leadership roles at CNN, Sky News, and the Associated Press, where she spent more than two decades leading global news coverage and major digital transformation initiatives.
With extensive experience directing teams across every continent, Caro has overseen coverage of some of the most significant international stories of the past twenty years while driving innovation in audience development, revenue strategy, and newsroom leadership. She also serves as a non executive director of Impress, the UK press regulator, and is a trustee of Rukhshana Media, a digital outlet amplifying the voices of women and girls in Afghanistan.
At BRIDGE Summit, Caro Kriel will explore the future of trusted journalism, the role of independent media in resilient societies, and how news organisations can adapt to an era of rapid digital change while staying anchored in purpose and public service.
Media today is powered by a complex mix of hedge funds, billionaires, global conglomerates, and platform-era kingmakers. Each is shaping not only what gets made, but what gets seen. From entertainment mergers to private-equity rollups of local outlets, the incentives behind media ownership increasingly influence creative choices, cultural priorities, and public trust. As financial influence deepens and independence is tested, this session asks: what funding models and accountability mechanisms can keep our modern media, across news, entertainment, and creator platforms, serving audiences and culture, not just its proprietors?
Chief Creative & Content Officer, The Daily Beast
Founder & CEO, OBS Culture Technology & OBS Investment
Founder, The Kings League
Founder, Helmet to Heels
Head of Europe, United Talent Agency (UTA)
“A landmark gathering that will unite media professionals, policymakers, cultural creators, and global influencers.”
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“A game‑changer for the global media industry”
“We are proud to take part in the inaugural edition of BRIDGE Summit”
“We're excited to partner with BRIDGE to create meaningful opportunities for creators and innovators”
