Discovery Names Doug Baker as CFO, Discovery Networks International
March 10, 2009
(Silver Spring, Md.) Discovery Communications today announced the appointment of Doug Baker to the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Discovery Networks International. Baker currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Discovery Communications' Digital Media, Emerging Networks and Business Development groups, and will transition to his new role over the next few weeks.
Reporting directly to Greg Ricca, President and CEO, Discovery Networks International, Baker will be responsible for leading all financial aspects of Discovery's international business, which distributes a broad portfolio of 19 brands to 893 million cumulative subscribers in 170 countries worldwide. He will have oversight of the division's regional CFOs in the UK, EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific and serve as a key strategic partner to international senior management across the business.
"Doug is a proven leader with more than 20 years of domestic and international financial management experience," said Brad Singer, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Discovery Communications. "He will be an invaluable asset to us, bringing a spirit of collaboration and support to the financial governance of our international business as it continues on its path of growth and improved profitability."
Baker joined Discovery in 2005 as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Discovery Commerce. In his current role, Doug has driven cohesion across multiple teams in order to establish financial and operating functions for Discovery's Digital Media and Emerging Networks groups.
Prior to joining Discovery, Baker served in a variety of financial, operating and strategic roles, primarily with leading consumer brand Hallmark. His responsibilities included headquarter assignments in Hallmark International's Finance and Treasury functions as well as regional leadership roles as Hallmark UK's Finance & Information Technology Director.
Baker holds an M.B.A. from the University of Missouri and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Miami University. He will continue to be based at the company's global headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Science and Discovery HD, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. Discovery Networks International distributes 19 international brands, reaching 893 million cumulative subscribers with programming available in 35 languages. For more information please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.