New Hire for Discovery Communications Digital Division

LOS ANGELES: Seasoned digital executive Rebecca Howard has joined Discovery Communications as senior VP of emerging platforms and partnerships.

In her new role, Howard will be charged with leading strategy, programming and production for Discovery Communications’ Webby and Shorty award-winning Discovery VR brand portfolio, along with driving social initiatives and new partnerships in collaboration with the company’s U.S. networks leadership. She will report to Karen Leever, the executive VP and general manager of Discovery Digital Media.

Discovery VR launched in 2015 and has now surpassed 2 million downloads. It has reached 100 million views across platforms. Since its launch, the offering has grown to include more than 130 immersive experiences, from network extensions to branded content and stand-alone videos.

Prior to joining Discovery Communications, Howard served as a strategic virtual-reality advisor for several digital-focused companies, including Discovery. Previously, Howard was the general manager of video at The New York Times, where she was responsible for developing and growing the company’s video content across platforms, overseeing content strategy, branding, marketing and distribution, and leading the launch of Times Video, which received an Emmy nomination for Modern Love and an Emmy win for A Short History of the High-rise. She also led the launch of New York Times VR and oversaw the rollout of the company’s first VR film, Walking New York, created in partnership with Chris Milk.

“Rebecca is a dynamic and innovative executive with extensive industry experience in traditional and new media,” said Leever. “I am thrilled to have her join the team, and look forward to seeing her passion for connecting new technologies and engaging content to create best-in-class digital experiences across Discovery’s first-mover VR and digital platforms.”

Howard added: “Discovery has a steadfast commitment to continually finding new, innovative ways to engage audiences, and as first movers in virtual reality, I’m looking forward to working across the company’s award-winning portfolio to drive this mission forward as new innovative mediums like VR are rapidly changing the media landscape.”