Discovery Communications has named former DirecTV executive Karen Leever executive vice president & general manager, Digital Media. In this role, Leever will oversee the company’s digital brands and businesses in the United States, including Discovery Digital Networks and the newly launched virtual reality channel, Discovery VR. She also will lead strategy, design and development for all Discovery apps and be responsible for driving design and development of the network websites. She will report to Chief Commercial Officer Paul Guyardo and be based in Discovery’s New York office.
“Digital is driving our industry in new and exciting ways, and Discovery is focused on delivering engaging content, smart innovation and growing audiences across platforms,” Guyardo said in a statement. “I know from experience that Karen is one of the best in the digital space and her diverse and impressive expertise will be invaluable to Discovery as we grow our digital brands and businesses even further.”
Leever joins Discovery from DirecTV, where she spent 10 years at the satellite giant, most recently as senior vice president, Digital and Direct Sales. Prior to DirecTV, Leever led the planning, launch and operations for a revamped kmart.com as vice president of E-commerce and Marketing. Earlier, she spent more than a decade in electronic TV retailing both at HSN and QVC, overseeing website design, messaging, pricing and programming strategies.
"Discovery has built a robust portfolio of brands and networks for the mobile generation. I am very excited to work with my new colleagues to reach wider audiences, continue to develop new partnerships and drive innovative content and digital experiences for our very passionate fans,” Leever said in a statement.
