Former truTV & Discovery Exec Joins Zig Zag

NEW YORK: Matt Gould, who previously held posts at truTV and Discovery, has been hired by Zig Zag Productions to lead its U.S. business.

As executive VP at Zig Zag USA, Gould will be based in New York, joining the company in 2011. Gould was previously executive producer of program development at truTV. Prior to this he was the VP of program development at Travel Channel. He also worked as senior executive producer at Discovery Channel and TLC.

Gould said: “I have had a great career working for the networks, but I have a background in production and that’s what I wanted to go back to. Program-making is my passion—I love making things from nothing. I chose Zig Zag because it’s an innovative company with a fantastic international catalogue. The company has done so well in the US already but there is so much more potential. I will leverage my experience of working in for the networks to help Zig Zag’s production slate.”

Danny Fenton, Zig Zag’s chief executive and co-founder, commented: “We are delighted that Matt will be joining us to drive forward our U.S. division. Matt comes to Zig Zag with a wealth of television experience following his previous experience at truTV and Discovery.

“Matt’s appointment is the first step we are making to widen our reach and programming efforts into new and emerging markets. We cannot wait to see our U.S. division grow under his leadership and are very excited about developing and growing the business in the months and years ahead.”

Gould will report directly to Fenton and fellow co-founder Kevin Utton.