Discovery Network leadership shaken up

SILVER SPRINGS, Md., Feb. 6 (UPI) -- A Discover Networks U.S. shakeup by Discovery Communications CEO David Zaslav saw several key departures, including president Billy Campbell.

Other executives leaving as a result of the reorganization are David Abraham, TLC president and general manager; Dawn McCall, Discovery Networks International president, and Maureen Smith, Animal Planet president and general manager, Variety said.

Other changes include promoting Jane Root to president and general manager of the Discovery Channel and adding the Science Channel to Root's portfolio, the Silver Springs, Md.-based network said.

Zaslav placed Animal Planet and Discovery Kids into a family-oriented networks operation. Marjorie Kaplan was promoted to president and general manager of Animal Planet Media and Discovery Kids Media.

Root and Kaplan report directly to Zaslav, as do Pat Younge, president and general manager of Discovery Travel Media, and Len Tacconi, president of Discovery Health Media Enterprises.

Zaslav indicated he would soon add a programming executive to replace Abraham as president of TLC.

Mark Hollinger was promoted to president of global businesses and operations. Greg Ricca, a former MTV COO, was hired as Discovery Networks International president and CEO.