Susanna Dinnage has been appointed to the new role of global president of Animal Planet, based in London.
Dinnage, who is currently President of UK/Ireland and Chief Content Officer for Discovery Networks International, will manage a global team based in the U.S. and UK and with contributors from other parts of Discovery’s worldwide business.
Dinnage will dual report to both David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications, and Jean-Briac Perrette, President and CEO of Discovery Networks International.
Her appointment marks the first time that a Discovey brand has been managed on a global basis.
Dinnage is also briefed with expanding Discovery’s digital business by pursuing opportunities for market-specific direct-to-consumer products for animal lovers.
“As Discovery continues to strategically pivot and deliver our content to consumers across all screens and services, it is more important than ever that our brands are structured and managed in a way that best exploits their global potential,” said Zaslav.
Dinnage has spent more than 20 years working in the television industry. Since joining Discovery in 2009, she has served in several leadership roles, including as General Manager of the UK and Benelux businesses, and most recently as President of UK/Ireland and Chief Content Officer for Discovery Networks International.
Most recently, she built a partnership with Amazon, launching Discovery and Eurosport on Amazon Channels.
Dinnage said: “I look forward to bringing new talent and more adventure and reflecting the worldwide love of animals to every screen on Animal Planet. With a team based in London and New York, this is a great opportunity to work with a wide range of production companies across the world.”
Animal Planet was led most recently in the U.S. by Group President Rich Ross and GM Patrice Andrews. Andrews is leaving the company.
Staff Reporter
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