Veteran Discovery and TV industry executive Jane Latman has been named president of HGTV, effective immediately, announced Kathleen Finch, Chief Lifestyle Brands Officer at Discovery.
“Jane is a terrific creative executive with a proven ability to build strong formats, long-running hit series and superfan brands that nourish passionate audiences,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO, Discovery. “With Jane’s promotion, we are pairing a talented leader with one of our top lifestyle brands and I look forward to seeing where she, Kathleen and team take HGTV next.”
In her new role, Latman will oversee all programming, development, and overall strategy and operations for HGTV.
“Jane understands how to grab and hold viewers’ attention, as evidenced by her tremendous track record of success with Investigation Discovery and, most recently as General Manager of Travel Channel,” said Finch, to whom Latman will report. “I am thrilled to have Jane and her expertise at the helm of HGTV, one of the most iconic, successful and well-loved brands in all of media.”
As a critical member of Group President Henry Schleiff’s leadership team, Latman has served in tandem roles as GM of Travel Channel, and executive vice president of development and research for Investigation Discovery and American Heroes Channel, and as GM of Destination America. She played a pivotal role in driving ID’s meteoric rise from the #50 network a decade ago to the #1 network for W25-54 in total day and #1 in cable in length of tune for seven years running.
“This is truly a dream job to lead the terrific team at a passion brand like HGTV,” added Latman. “I am delighted at the opportunity to work with some of the most creative and focused storytellers in the business and take HGTV to even greater heights.”
Latman will relocate from Silver Spring, Maryland to New York later this year. She will replace Allison Page, previous President of HGTV, and who was recently named President of Discovery’s joint venture with Chip and Joanna Gaines.
