Nat Geo recruits Rachel Webber and Jill Cress

Rachel Webber has been appointed executive VP of digital product at National Geographic Partners, effective November 14.

In what is a newly created position, she will report to Declan Moore, National Geographic Partners CEO, and oversee the development of digital products and experiences across owned and partner platforms.

Commenting on the appointment, Moore said: “Rachel has proven herself an adept executive in her Fox career, and we’re thrilled to bring her energetic voice and unique experience across digital and traditional media to the National Geographic team. She has the business know-how, industry relationships and leadership instincts to help steer our digital efforts for a new generation of consumers.

“We are a 128-year old organisation with a rich history of visual storytelling. We’re excited to lean into that heritage to create new experiences through video, virtual reality and interactive tools. Our goal is to engage our audiences everywhere they are, particularly on mobile platforms, and Rachel is the ideal executive to lead this charge.”

Prior to joining National Geographic, Webber was the senior VP at Fox Television Group. She previously managed Fox Networks Group’s digitally-focused corporate development initiatives and non-linear revenue growth strategy, helping steer the company’s advertising technology and data solutions capabilities.

Earlier, Webber was the VP of Video and Head of North America Business Development at Rovio Entertainment and an executive at Tumblr.

Separately, Jill Cress has joined National Geographic Partners as CMO. In her new role she will report to Courteney Monroe, National Geographic Channels CEO, and oversee brand strategy and marketing for the entire Natonal Geographic Partners portfolio.

Cress was most recently executive VP of global consumer marketing at MasterCard.

Monroe said: “Jill is a strategic and passionate marketer with boundless energy and ideas, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her join our team as the CMO of National Geographic Partners.
“As we continue to take the National Geographic brand to new heights, Jill’s expertise and penchant for innovation will be an invaluable asset to our leadership team.”

Cress added: “National Geographic has built an impressive portfolio of recognized and admired content throughout the years.
“I look forward to working with Declan, Courteney and the rest of the senior team to continue to build brand momentum and audience share for National Geographic Partners.”