Nat Geo Kids and Family Gets New Creative Officer

WASHINGTON: Melina Gerosa Bellows takes on the expanded role of chief creative officer for National Geographic Kids and Family, in addition to her current responsibilities as executive VP of children’s publishing.

Bellows oversees the children’s book division and serves as editor in chief of National Geographic Kids and Little Kids magazines. Bellows will now work closely across all National Geographic Global Media (NGGM) units involved in producing and developing kids- and family-oriented products to manage overall editorial characteristics of those products. She will also be instrumental in developing the broad business plans and strategies related to this category. She continues to report to John Griffin, National Geographic’s executive VP and president of publishing, on all publishing matters. Bellows will report to Tim Kelly, president of NGMM, in her broader role.

"Melina is a creative force who has succeeded in building a strong publishing base for National Geographic Kids, and who has contributed considerably to our broader Global Media strategy. We want to expand Melina’s editorial leadership to encompass the whole range of National Geographic kid-friendly products, from books to virtual worlds," said Kelly. "Her creativity, pitch-perfect sensibility about the National Geographic brand and energetic leadership are among our most valued, not-so-secret weapons as we expand and enhance the range of products and services we offer to families and children. Her new role ensures that every aspect of the NG Kids and Family franchise benefits from a coordinated, strategic editorial vision."