Paul Welling Takes New Role at Discovery Networks International

LONDON: Discovery veteran Paul Welling has been appointed to the new position of senior VP of international brand and franchise development at Discovery Networks International.

Welling will be responsible for developing and executing a 360-degree consumer-facing strategy to launch, position and grow brands and franchise events around the world, oversee and leverage the various disciplines and functions, and create a vision for popular brands, talent and content. He will work out of London under Marjorie Kaplan, the president of content for Discovery Networks International.

Most recently, Welling served as Discovery’s senior VP and head of channels for the CEEMA region. He has been working for Discovery Communications for nearly 20 years.

“Paul has proven to be a terrific leader at this company—building strong brands across the CEEMEA region and connecting our content with the consumer,” stated Kaplan. “With his new role, I am excited for Paul to lend his talents to the entire organization and really dig deep on curating content, brands and talent that resonate with viewers while galvanizing 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.”

“Now more than ever, Discovery needs to bolster our strong and beloved global brands with content and dynamic campaigns that are not only authentic and purpose-driven, but entertaining, buzzworthy and compelling,” added Welling. “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 utilizing content and igniting all the great creativity around that content.”