Discovery Communications has appointed Phil Craig as EVP and Chief Creative Officer for Discovery Networks International (DNI).
The newly created position will see Craig lead an international production and development team that is the driving force behind many of Discovery’s global hit series and supplies a content pipeline that spans more than 220 countries and territories. Craig will report to JB Perrette, president of Discovery Networks International, and will be based in London with a starting date of February 2015. He joins Discovery from ABC TV in Australia, where he has held the post of Head of Factual since 2012, based in Sydney.
“I’m thrilled that Phil Craig is joining us to lead DNI’s creative strategy and team. It is a hugely exciting time for the company, with international revenues now exceeding those in the US, and the incredible momentum of our international network portfolio which just delivered a third straight record quarter in viewership,” said Perrette.
“Great content is at the heart of that success and this role is critical for our plans to further grow brands, networks and audiences around the world. Phil has an impressive track record of creating hit series and nurturing great creative talent, which together with his unique global experience, makes him the perfect choice.”
As EVP and Chief Creative Officer for Discovery Networks International, Craig will lead the production and development group which spans five locations: Silver Spring, New York, Miami, London and Singapore. He will develop factual and lifestyle content primarily for flagship global networks Discovery Channel and TLC, and will work collaboratively with his U.S. counterparts on content sharing and development.
Craig also will help champion the development, production and sharing of regionally and locally produced content and formats across Discovery’s five international operating regions. He will work side by side with Rosemary Newell, DNI’s SVP Programming and Content Operations, who has led the Production and Development group in the interim phase while the search was conducted.
“Being offered this incredible job feels like re-connecting with a great friend,” commented Craig.
“Ten years ago, Discovery asked me to make The Flight tha Fought Back. After that, I produced and executive produced many hours for Discovery Channel all over the world. My first ambition is to lead with energy, imagination and passion. I look forward to growing the business still further, in close collaboration with colleagues at the US networks and across all the local and regional markets, as Discovery Networks International continues to establish itself as a world-leading commissioner of original, quality programming across all platforms.”
