Discovery Channel Hires Nat Geo Alum

Discovery Channel has appointed Igal Svet to the position of VP of production and development for documentaries and specials.

Svet will report to Howard Swartz, senior VP of production and development, and will relocate to the company’s Los Angeles office. In his new role, Svet joins the team responsible for the development and execution of production strategies for upcoming event programming, documentaries and specials. He will be responsible for the creation of a range of projects and oversee the acquisition of content from filmmakers.

Before joining Discovery Channel, Svet worked at National Geographic, serving as senior director of development for the channel. Since joining the network in 2014, he was part of the team developing a slate of the original programs, including One Strange Rock, Mars and The Story of God with Morgan Freeman, and live specials such as Earth Live and Yellowstone Live.

He also previously served as head of development at 2C Media, in addition to working as both field and post producer on several series, including History Channel’s Top Gear and truTV’s Full Throttle Saloon. Svet has also worked in nonfiction at BBC Worldwide and Reveille.

“Igal has an impressive track record of identifying important topics that resonate with audiences,” said Swartz. “We are thrilled to welcome him to Discovery where we know his insights, vision and relationships with some of the best content creators in the business will continue to help Discovery thrive in this media landscape.”

Svet added: “Discovery is one of the most iconic brands in today’s media marketplace. I feel incredibly fortunate to join Howard and the network’s leadership team in creating awe-inspiring nonfiction.”