Matthew Butler has been named the general manager of Travel Channel, effective immediately.
Commenting on the appointment, Kathleen Finch, chief lifestyle brands officer, said: “Given the terrific success of Travel’s recent repositioning, coupled with Matt’s long-term impact on the brand, we didn’t have far to go in search of our new GM.
“I’m delighted to have Matt continue the vision he and Jane Latman created together for Travel, opening the brand to explore more mystery and adventure, while remaining keenly focused on creating content that our loyal viewers will love.”
Henry Schleiff, group president, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Destination America and American Heroes Channel, to whom Butler will report, added: “Matt is taking over Travel Channel at a time of great momentum and strength.
“Indeed, with more than a decade of experience and expertise with Travel, no one is more knowledgeable about its viewers and their passion for this popular genre. We are fortunate to have such a creative and dedicated team at Travel and I look forward to seeing Matt lead it to even greater heights.”
As general manager, Butler will oversee the development, production, scheduling and overall operations for Travel Channel, and will be charged with leading the strategic growth of the audience and the brand. He said: “I’m thrilled to lead this incredibly talented team and continue the strategy we began together a year ago.
“I’m excited about the future of our brand and to launch a new wave of shows for our superfans.”
Butler was most recently VP, programming and development for Travel Channel. He previously spent a decade at the company, from 2000-2010, and has also served in roles with PBS, ESPN and QVC.
He replaces Jane Latman, who has been named president of HGTV.
