New President of Digital in Place at Chernin Group

LOS ANGELES: The Chernin Group (TCG) has appointed Mike Kerns as president of digital, who, among other duties, will work to establish the company’s presence in San Francisco.

In his new position, veteran digital executive, entrepreneur and investor Kerns will work closely with Peter Chernin, CEO and chairman, and Jesse Jacobs, TCG’s president. The goal is to continue the company’s history of investing in, acquiring and building digital media and consumer internet companies.

Kerns will support the digital investment and portfolio strategy while spearheading the expansion of the company’s presence in Northern California, with plans to open an office in San Francisco. Kerns will also join Chernin, Jacobs and members of AT&T on the board of directors of Otter Media, which is TCG’s venture with AT&T formed to acquire, invest in and launch global OTT video services.

Chernin commented: “We have meaningfully accelerated TCG’s digital presence and sphere of investment activities over the past few years. Mike will be a phenomenal addition to the team and will help us with our existing portfolio of businesses, as well as in rapidly expanding our investment endeavors. He has a proven, multi-disciplined track record, which has become increasingly important to our company, current holdings and future growth.”

Jacobs added: “I’m thrilled that Mike is joining us. He is a rare combination of an executive who has operated at the highest levels of the technology industry, a former entrepreneur who had significant success in building his company, and a former investor with great instincts, market perspectives and relationships. All of our current and future portfolio partners and investments will benefit from Mike’s involvement.”

“I’m incredibly excited to join The Chernin Group to partner with Peter and Jesse on the next phase of growth in the business,” said Kerns. “I believe that we have a unique platform that provides a combination of creative freedom and entrepreneurial ambition focused on digital media. Most importantly, I couldn’t be more confident in our shared values, and commitment to working with great people.”