Discovery forms Digital Studios Group; promotes Neil
October 9, 2018
Discovery has announced the formation of the Digital Studios Group, a newly expanded hub for digital and social video content creation to support the company’s growing 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 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 US Ad Sales division.
“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. She led the dramatic growth of legacy Scripps’ digital business, highlighted by record-breaking social video views, leading category and award-winning websites and apps for Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel. She also played a pivotal role launching Genius Kitchen, the company’s first food and pop culture-focused OTT platform, and acquiring Spoon University, the food-focused media company aimed at college students.