Welling gets new role at Discovery

Discovery Communications’ central and eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa channels boss, Paul Welling, has taken on a new international brands role at Discovery.

Welling becomes senior VP of international brand and franchise development for Discovery Networks International.

The channel operator told TBI it is reviewing its options with regards to a new CEEMEA channels chief. As of today no direct replacement has been announced, but news is expected as soon as next week.

In his new role Welling will develop Discovery brands around the world, working with channels and programme talent to grow them internationally.

He will report to international content chief Marjorie Kaplan, who said: “With his new role, I am excited for Paul to lend his talents to the entire organisation and really dig deep on curating content, brands and talent that resonate with viewers while galvanising our superfans across all screens and around the globe.

“He knows the right levers to pull in order to really make our content more than just a broadcast; he will make it into an event.”

Welling is a Discovery veteran, having been at the company for almost 20 years. During that time he has run the company’s channels in emerging markets, run the UK lifestyle and entertainment group, and run the UK channels division.

He said today: “Great content will inform some superb marketing and vice versa. We’re vying for the attention of consumers in so many ways that content can’t stand on its own and be expected to succeed.

“I think our business partners will continue to benefit from the fully immersive, panoramic view of utilising content and igniting all the great creativity around that content.”