CNN has hired Chris Wiggins, former New York Times Chief Data Scientist, to head its new role as head of machine learning and AI science. The role was announced in an internal memo to CNN staff. Wiggins will lead a team that optimizes the use of artificial intelligence to improve outcomes company-wide, including maximizing advertising and subscriber revenue, creating unique and personalized experiences for users, and assisting editorial teams with data tooling in coverage and programming decisions. He will report to Kendell Timmers, senior VP of data analytics, science and insights at CNN, who previously worked at the New YorkTimes.