• by Wayne Friedman , February 6, 2007

A major reshuffling from new Discovery Communications President/CEO David Zaslav means a number of senior executives, such as Discovery Networks President Billy Campbell and Discovery Networks International President Dawn McCall, are departing.

Much of this was expected--especially Campbell's exit--since it was assumed he was in contention for Zaslav's position. Former NBC executive Zaslav assumed his new position three months ago. Zaslav filled Judith McHale's shoes; she left the company in December.

Another departure is Animal Planet General Manager Maureen Smith. TLC President David Abraham is also leaving, but this wasn't part of the Zaslav announcement.

Former Sanford C. Bernstein stock market analyst and NBC senior executive Tom Wolzien and former Paramount syndication executive Joel Berman have been hired as consultants. Former MTV executive Greg Ricca will join Discovery as president and CEO of Discovery Networks International.

Discovery Channel and TLC had some troubling years that witnessed major double-digit ratings decreases. But both recently rebounded in 2006.

Staying on is Discovery Networks U.S. Advertising Sales President Joe Abruzzese, who was hired by Campbell and will now report to Zaslav. Bill Goodwyn, Discovery Networks president of sales and affiliate sales and marketing, is also remaining and will report to Zaslav.

Discovery will restructure around five network brand groups--Discovery/Science Channel, TLC, Animal Health & Discovery Kids Media, Travel Media, Discovery Health, and an Emerging Network group.

Discovery Channel's President and General Manager Jane Root will stay and will now oversee the Science Channel, heading up one group. Travel Channel senior executive Pat Younge will also remain, now as the president and general manager of Discovery Travel Media. Marjorie Kaplan is being promoted to president and general manager of Animal Planet Media and Discovery Kids Media.

A new Emerging Networks Group will be formed to include the Military Channel, Discovery Times Channel, Discovery Home Channel and Discovery HD Theater.

A new division, Discovery Studios, will be formed to house the Discovery Production Group; Discovery Films; Discovery Creative Resources; and a short-form content unit.