Discovery has formed the Digital Studios Group, a newly expanded hub for digital and social video content creation to support the company’s global websites, social, TVE and direct-to-consumer businesses and brands.
To lead the expanded group, the company has promoted Vikki Neil to executive vice president and general manager. The announcement was made by Kathleen Finch, chief lifestyle brands officer, to whom Neil continues to report.
“Vikki has played a vital role for many years in the growth of our lifestyle brands’ digital and social engines, and has driven tremendous value for superfans, partners and clients,” said Finch.
“Top quality digital content is invaluable for strengthening brands and attracting future audiences, and I look forward to Vikki’s leadership of the expanded Digital Studios Group in support of even more brands at the new Discovery.”
The Digital Studios Group will serve as a center of excellence for social video growth and monetisation, and a one-stop shop for creative and branded content for Discovery sites and social channels, and will work closely with the company’s TVE and Direct-to-Consumer businesses, led by recently named CEO of Direct-to-Consumer, Peter Faricy.
The group will continue business responsibility for the Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel and TLC sites and social platforms, while expanding into content responsibility for other brands, digital branded entertainment content and digital creative and audience support to the company’s U.S. Ad Sales division. Neil’s team will utilize scale and efficiencies to build compelling content across Discovery brands around the world.
“This is such an exciting time in our industry,” added Neil.
“I’m proud to have the chance to work with terrific people and beloved brands and bring Discovery to life in new ways for digital audiences around the world.”
Prior to this expanded role, Neil served as senior vice president and general manager of Scripps Lifestyle Studios, the digital division of Scripps Networks Interactive.