Discovery-Hasbro JV Network Staffs Up

LOS ANGELES: The yet-to-be named Discovery Communications-Hasbro children’s network, slated for launch in late 2010, has added four new senior executives to its team.  

Amber Fredman-Tarshis has been appointed chief marketing officer, joining from a role as VP of marketing for Victoria’s Secret. Fredman-Tarshis will work directly with Margaret Loesch, the president and CEO of the new venture, and the senior team in developing all aspects of the network’s brand identity, including its name, logos and overall brand essence. 

Dan Pimentel has been named chief financial officer. He will oversee management of financial planning and analysis functions. Most recently, he was VP of finance for Discovery Communications’ commerce division, and was previously at The Walt Disney Company as controller of the Disney stores.

As senior VP of ad sales, Brooke Goldstein will lead the sales team for the joint venture. Goldstein will report to Loesch and receive functional support from Joe Abruzzese, Discovery Communications’ president of ad sales, and Discovery’s senior ad sales leadership team. She was previously a managing partner at Mediacom Communications. During her tenure at Mediacom, she worked extensively with a number of premier national clients, including Hasbro.

Lorrie Copeland, who is to serve as the senior VP of consumer insights and research, joins from Hasbro, where she served as senior VP and head of consumer insights. In her new role, Copeland will provide the qualitative and quantitative context to support multiplatform, multimedia business efforts across the joint venture. She will spearhead the network’s customized studies, appearance at industry events and other initiatives designed to bolster consumer understanding.

“The additions of Amber, Dan, Brooke and Lorrie to our team solidify the foundation of this new children’s network,” said Loesch. “Each of them is a leader in the industry and among the best and brightest in their fields. Their expertise and hard work will help build a world-class, family-friendly destination for children featuring compelling storytelling, strong characters and engaging brands.”