• by Wayne Friedman , October 30, 2014

In another example of traditional media companies, broadening their efforts around Big Data research, Turner Broadcasting has hired a chief data executive.

Stephano Kim will become senior vice president and advertising operations/chief data strategist for TBS' advertising sales division. Kim will report to Lenny Daniels, president of Turner Sports.

Kim will use data insights to connect consumers with branded content -- in an effort to deliver higher value audiences to brand marketers.

Daniels stated: “Stephano will help expand our company’s data infrastructure and capabilities that will help further grow revenue and consumer insights across our company. His professional experience is diverse and will bring a different perspective to this important new role within our company.”

Before coming to Turner, Kim had been working an advisor, investor, and operator for technology companies, building e-commerce, digital marketing and ad technology platforms.

Last year, NBC News named Cameron Davies to a newly created position of senior vice president,analytics.

At that time, Alan Wurtzel, president of research and media development of NBCUniversal said: "Data and analytics are becoming increasingly important in the news and information business. We need to better understand our consumers and their needs so we can deliver great content whenever and wherever they want it."

In other Turner Broadcasting research news, media executives say Susan Nathan, senior vice president of affiliate research, media currency and research operations for Turner Broadcasting, has left the company.

Nathan departure was part of some major staff cutbacks Turner announced a little while back, according to executives. A Turner spokeswoman would not comment.