Butler named Travel Channel GM
April 30, 2019
Discovery veteran, Matthew Butler, has been named general manager of Travel Channel, effective immediately. The announcement was made by Kathleen Finch, Chief Lifestyle Brands Officer, and Henry Schleiff, Group President, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Destination America and American Heroes Channel.
“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,” said Finch. “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.”
“Matt is taking over Travel Channel at a time of great momentum and strength,” said Schleiff, to whom Butler will now report. “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.
“I’m thrilled to lead this incredibly talented team and continue the strategy we began together a year ago,” added Butler. “I’m excited about the future of our brand and to launch a new wave of shows for our superfans.”
Most recently, Butler was VP, programming and development for Travel Channel, with responsibility for cultivating original content for the network, shepherding series from concept to premiere. Previously, he spent a decade at Travel Channel, from 2000-2010, developing many of the network’s enduring shows like Man v. Food, Ghost Adventures, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, and Mysteries at the Museum.
Butler has also served in roles with PBS, ESPN, and QVC. He is based in Silver Spring, Md. and will replace Jane Latman, who was named president of HGTV.