Donna D’Alessandro Moves Up at Discovery, Animal Planet

Donna D’Alessandro has been elevated from VP to senior VP of programming for Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.

In her new position, D’Alessandro will manage the day-to-day program strategy for both networks, coordinating across all departments to create and conceptualize series, specials, franchises and initiatives for domestic telecast, while leveraging those for all business opportunities. Before joining Discovery, she served as VP of programming and strategy at BET Networks, and earlier as director of program planning at Bravo.

Michael Greco, the executive VP of programming and research for Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and Science Channel, commented: “Donna is a gifted strategist and her unique vision and programming expertise have proven invaluable to our brands. I look forward to her continued success as a member of our senior leadership teams.”

Patrice Andrews, the general manager of Animal Planet, added: “Animal Planet is thrilled for Donna’s promotion. She has raised the bar for our channel as she continues to find creative ways to get attention for our programming.”