Toppo has been directly involved in audience growth strategies and the integration of analytics into the daily programming process. From 2011-2013, video starts grew 40% and CNN continues to be an industry leader for video traffic.

Toppo launched CNN’s first video team focused on digital-native content for enterprise storytelling and sponsorship integration. Under his leadership, the team has created franchises for multiple verticals including music, comedy, politics, innovation, health and culture. He was also instrumental in creating the network’s first digital war room which brings together teams from edit, research, business intelligence and social to use real time data to optimize site performance and leverage trending content.

In 2012, his enterprise video team won multiple honors including the Investigative Reporters and Editors Award for “Slavery’s Last Stronghold” an investigation that exposed the issues of slavery in Mauritania, the last country in the world to outlaw the practice.

He has also led CNN’s cross-platform TV Integration group focused on digital strategies for CNN’s premier programs including The Lead with Jake Tapper, Erin Burnett OutFront, New Day, Morgan Spurlock/Inside Man and Anthony Bourdain/Parts Unknown.

Prior to managing video strategy, Toppo led CNN Digital’s home page, feature sections, news production, photos and interactive teams. In 2011, his teams launched the CNN Photos blog dedicated to telling powerful and inspiring stories through photography. To date, CNN Photos has generated over 800 million page views.

Prior to joining CNN Digital in 2006, Toppo was the Senior Executive Producer for CNN’s domestic television network and managed all of its weekday programs. He also developed the format for its flagship dayside program, Newsroom.

Toppo came to CNN in 1996 to produce its daily news program, TalkBack Live. The program was the first of its kind on a national level to use interactive technologies including chat rooms, instant messaging and video conferencing. As the Executive Producer, he was responsible for guiding the overall direction and development of the program.

He is also a member of CNN’s Diversity Council focusing on the network’s business strategy.

Toppo earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Buffalo State College.