MUMBAI: David Lyle has been named National Geographic Channels (NGC) US CEO and assumes responsibility for global programming.

The appointment, which is effective immediately, was announced by the National Geographic Channels board, to whom he will report.

The veteran television executive has been working with the National Geographic management team as the head of West Coast development for several months. National Geographic Channels President Steve Schiffman will report to Lyle.

In his new role, Lyle will be responsible for the overall supervision of the domestic channels ? which include the National Geographic Channel (NGC), Nat Geo WILD and Nat Geo Mundo ?owned jointly by the Fox Networks Group and the National Geographic Society.
 
Since launching in January 2001, the National Geographic Channel has made strong progress. NGC has had seven consecutive years of ratings growth, something no other network has achieved since NGC?s launch. NGC also outperformed the national cable TV marketplace in revenue and CPM growth for nine consecutive years.

National Geographic Society president Tim Kelly said, ?David brings extensive creative experience and a strong international perspective to this critical role,? . ?He will be focused on delivering compelling popular programming that reflects, enhances and delivers on the substance of the National Geographic brand and mission. We are delighted to have him on our team.?

Lyle will be based in Washington, D.C., where the Channels are headquartered.

Lyle, who has been with Fox since 2005, previously served as Fox Look president, a unit specialising in the international licensing and production of reality formats, and the Fox Reality Channel, a national cable outlet dedicated to unscripted programming.