Ex-Discovery Execs Form Media Consultancy

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 14: Dawn McCall, the former president of Discovery Networks International, has aligned with ten other ex-Discovery Communications staffers to set up a media consultancy business.

International Media & Entertainment Partners will work with clients on improving their existing operations and expanding worldwide. In addition to Wright, the team includes Barbara Bennett, the former CFO and senior executive VP of finance for Discovery Communications; Pandit Wright, former senior executive VP of human resources and administration for Discovery Communications; Susan Ritchie, previously senior VP of international communications for Discovery Networks International; and Olga Edridge, ex-head of BBC Worldwide’s international joint-venture channels and former consultant to Discovery Networks International. The other team members are Mathew Tombers, a former Discovery VP; Laura Frankel, who used to be senior VP and general manager for Discovery Networks International; Deborah Kent, who headed up Discovery’s operations and business services in EMEA; as well as Martie Kretchmar, David Spindler, Dina Suggs and Ron Benschoter.

"International Media & Entertainment Partners is dedicated to the principle of providing the actionable support our clients need to advance their media business in the international marketplace," said McCall, the managing director of the new firm. "As executives who have built a large business, we can provide the planning, advice and know-how that will actually deliver results."

—By Mansha Daswani