A&E Networks Berning for New Ad-Sales Head

A&E Television Networks dipped into the media-agency ranks to find a new sales boss, appointing Mel Berning as its executive vice president.

Berning, who will join AETN in January, has been serving as president of U.S. broadcast at MediaVest USA, a division of Starcom MediaVest Group.

In his new role, Berning will lead advertising-sales efforts and strategy for A&E Network, The History Channel, The Biography Channel and History Channel International, as well as their associated media assets.

Berning will fill the position formerly held by Whitney Goit, who was promoted to senior executive VP of A&E earlier this year.

His resume also includes executive sales positions at NBC, CBS and CBS Cable. Berning -- who also worked as a director of financial planning for Disney Channel -- began his career in the media department of Benton & Bowles.