MUMBAI: Howard T. Owens has been named National Geographic Channels president US, succeeding Steve Schiffman. The announcement was made by National Geographic Channels US and global programming CEO David Lyle.

Lyle also named Courteney Monroe to the newly created position of CMO for the US Channels. Michael Cascio has been elevated to executive VP, programming for National Geographic Channel US. Owens and Monroe will report to Lyle; Cascio to Owens.

Lyle said, "I am delighted to have superb executives like Howard, Courteney and Michael in these critical roles for our networks as we build on the success of our highest-rated summer in NGC‘s history. I have known Howard for more than a decade, and I am confident he is the right person at the right time to take our network into our next era. His leadership, creativity, passion and vision are unmatched in this business, and is just what we need to drive our networks forward."

Owens will work closely with CEO Lyle on the overall supervision of the domestic channels ? which include the National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo Mundo ? owned jointly by the Fox Networks Group and the National Geographic Society.

Owens will oversee the programming, development, communications, research and business affairs units at the U.S. networks as well as working closely on the strategic business efforts of the networks‘ ad sales and affiliate teams. Schiffman plans to stay at the network through a transition period.

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.