Susanna Dinnage Becomes First Global President of Animal Planet

Discovery Communications has appointed Susanna Dinnage to the newly created role of global president for Animal Planet, marking a first for a Discovery brand to be managed on a global basis.

Dinnage will dually report to both David Zaslav, the president and CEO of Discovery Communications, and Jean-Briac Perrette, the president and CEO of Discovery Networks International.

As part of the new structure, Dinnage, who currently serves as president of U.K./Ireland and chief content officer for Discovery Networks International, will manage a global team based in the U.S. and U.K. and with contributors from other parts of Discovery’s worldwide business focused on delivering animal content that appeals to superfans around the world and on all screens. Dinnage will work to further Discovery’s digital business by pursuing opportunities for market-specific direct-to-consumer products. She also will work to cement Discovery’s leadership in animals on short-form and mobile, both through Animal Planet’s owned-and-operated properties and the company’s investment in and partnership with Group Nine Media’s The Dodo.

“As Discovery continues to strategically pivot and deliver our content to consumers across all screens and services, it is more important than ever that our brands are structured and managed in a way that best exploits their global potential,” said Zaslav. “We are confident that this new global model, combined with Susanna’s expert leadership and the worldwide appeal of our animal content, will maximize Animal Planet’s power across linear channels and create new digital opportunities around the world.”

Added Perrette: “Susanna’s creative prowess, commercial expertise and deep understanding of consumer viewing preferences across diverse markets have driven success for Discovery’s international business for many years. This new structure will expand Animal Planet’s strong heritage and affinity among passionate superfans across the globe.”

“I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to lead such an inspiring and much-loved brand across the world,” said Dinnage. “The animal kingdom and natural world give us all such joy and, in times of uncertainty, there is no better antidote than to spend more time immersed in the wonders of the world around us. I look forward to bringing new talent and more adventure and reflecting the worldwide love of animals to every screen on Animal Planet. With a team based in London and New York, this is a great opportunity to work with a wide range of production companies across the world.”