Discovery Inc. has newly formed the Digital Studios Group to serve as a hub for video efforts across its websites, social, TV Everywhere and direct-to-consumer businesses.
The company has promoted Vikki Neil to executive vice president and general manager of the new group. Neil will report directly to Kathleen Finch, chief lifestyle brands officer.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
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The Digital Studios Group will generate creative and branded content for Discovery sites and social channels, and it will work closely with the company’s TVE and Direct-to-Consumer businesses, which are led by recently named CEO of Direct-to-Consumer Peter Faricy. The group will continue handling 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.
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. She also helped launch Genius Kitchen, the company’s first food and pop culture-focused OTT platform, and helped acquire Spoon University, the food-focused media company aimed at college students.