DISCOVERY NETWORKS:
has hired BBC Two Controller Jane Root as executive VP and general manager of the Discovery Channel in the U.S. She takes the spot mid-May and replaces 18-year Discovery veteran Clark Bunting, who has been promoted to executive VP, Discovery Networks, U.S., overseeing 10 of the division’s networks.
SCHOLASTIC: has named Mary Mitchell senior VP-strategic marketing for Scholastic Education. Mitchell will further build marketing initiatives and consumer loyalty programs. Mitchell formerly worked as a senior partner and client services director for OgilvyOne advertising agency in New York.
HIT ENTERTAINMENT: owner of pre-school properties including Bob the Builder, Thomas & Friends and Barney, will distribute The Jim Henson Co. family properties across many platforms, including television, home entertainment and consumer products. The deal includes the production of new properties also to be distributed by HIT.
SESAME WORKSHOP: is introducing a new infant brand, Sesame Beginnings, with the tagline “Building Blocks to Learning”.
ANIMAL PLANET: launched a marketing campaign this month, which will run throughout the spring and summer. The campaign, “Living Breathing Entertainment,” will feature TV spots and print ads highlighting Animal Planet.
JOHN BRODY: has returned to his former post yesterday as senior VP-corporate sales and marketing for Major League Baseball Properties. Brody recently completed his second season as executive VP-marketing for the NBA’s Boston Celtics, where he brokered new partnerships for the team with Pepsi, Reebok, Gillette, Amtrak and Brooks Pharmacy.
THE CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE: has formed a two year agreement with power tool manufacturer PorterCable Delta, which designates the product lines as the Official Power Tools of the league.
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