National Geographic Announces Nathan Lump as Editor in Chief

Lump Brings the Storied Media Company 25+ Years of Experience Leading Multiplatform Content Development and Editorial Strategy

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, National Geographic Media, the worldwide digital, social and print publisher that elevates innovative storytelling about people, places and projects that shape our world, has announced its new editor in chief, Nathan Lump. Lump brings over 25 years of experience spanning such notable publications as Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, The New York Times, and most recently serving as vice president, global head of Editorial and Entertainment at Expedia Group. Effective June 6, 2022, Lump will report to Executive Vice President & General Manager of Nat Geo Media David Miller.

“We're honored and excited to have Nathan join the National Geographic family. His tremendous wealth of experience in leading global editorial organizations, his deep understanding for what makes a story best in class, data-driven approach to addressing consumer needs and commitment to journalistic integrity make him the ideal candidate,” said Miller. “We are confident that his vision will further enable our top-notch editorial team to continue to deliver the foremost, cutting-edge stories that drive impact, and enable National Geographic to continue to innovate and excel in this digital era.”

Lump added, “As a kid growing up in a small town in the Midwest, National Geographic was my most essential read. It was a window onto the world for me that sparked my curiosity and encouraged me to get out and make my own explorations, which fundamentally changed my life. I’m humbled to have this incredible opportunity to be a part of the great role Nat Geo plays in inspiring the next generation of scientists and explorers and all those who want to better understand the world – and I hope to continue to strengthen that role through the work that we will do together.”

In his new role, Lump will manage the content strategy of the National Geographic editorial team as part of National Geographic Media, which operates in over 170 countries, with several print and digital products and over a half-billion followers on social media.

His priority will be to focus on the magazine’s core DNA, delivering bold and fact-based storytelling about our world while also continuing to modernize the brand’s approach to storytelling. He will lead the award-winning, multiplatform team of 130+ editors, writers, photographers and designers in their efforts to shine a light on the unexplained in our past, the realities of our present, and the opportunities we have to create a better future.

Lump also aims to elevate Nat Geo’s digital work and build on its long-standing excellence in photography, design, cartography and more, ensuring that the team is well-equipped to deliver rich, mission-driven storytelling that will engage new and existing audiences across platforms. Another key priority will be integrating the important work of the National Geographic Society into the brand’s editorial strategy and extending the reach of Nat Geo Media’s storytelling across The Walt Disney Company and its customers.

The Harvard alum is well known for building and leading editorial teams that set the bar for the media industry and are highly recognized for their achievements. At Expedia, Lump led a newly created division to serve engaging content across multiple platforms and drive customer loyalty. While at Travel + Leisure, under Lump’s leadership, the publication was named Adweek’s Hottest Travel Magazine (2015-2018), Ad Age’s Hottest Reborn Magazine (2015) and Webby’s Best Travel Site (2016). In addition to his prior National Magazine Awards nominations and Webby wins, Lump was also named Editor of the Year and one of the 30 Most Intriguing People in Media by Media Industry News in 2016. Before joining Time Inc.’s Travel + Leisure, Lump also worked at a number of iconic media companies, including Time Inc., Condé Nast, Hearst and The New York Times as well as award-winning advertising agencies including Hill Holliday and Wunderman Thompson (formerly known as J. Walter Thompson Worldwide.)

Lump and his husband will be relocating from Seattle to Washington, D.C., in the coming months.

Press Assets: HERE

About National Geographic Media

National Geographic Media is a worldwide digital, social and print publisher, operating in over 170 countries, with several print and digital products and over a half billion followers on social media. Our mission is to inspire curious fans of all ages through bold and innovative storytelling about people, places and projects that shape our world, and enable our fans to connect, explore, engage with and care about the world. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com, find us on the National Geographic app or visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and TikTok.