Discovery Communications named the senior executive team that will lead the company after the close of its merger with Scripps Networks Interactive. “Upon closing, each division will have a best-in-class leader focused on quickly integrating the combined teams to create new ways for advertisers and distributors to reach highly targeted audiences at scale; capturing operating efficiencies across both companies; and driving innovation to continue telling great stories and nourishing our passionate, loyal superfans around the world across every consumer screen, service and platform,” said David Zaslav, president and CEO, Discovery.
Among the top Scripps execs taking big Discovery roles: Jon Steinlauf, currently President of National Ad Sales and Marketing for Scripps Networks, will become Chief U.S. Advertising Sales Officer for the combined company. And Kathleen Finch, currently Chief Programming, Content & Brand Officer for all 6 Scripps Networks brands, will become Chief Lifestyle Brands Officer, adding TLC, ID, Discovery Life, American Heroes Channel and Destination America to her purview. Henry Schleiff remains Group President of ID, DA and AHC, but Rich Ross, Group President of Discovery Channel and Science Channel, is leaving; he joined in 2015.
