Discovery Communications has hired DirecTV’s Paul Guyardo as its chief commercial officer, a newly created position that he will begin on Oct. 5. In it, Guyardo will oversee U.S. Ad Sales, Digital Media, Licensing and Consumer Products, Consumer Insights and Data Analytics.
The executive will be charged with expanding the ways Discovery monetizes its portfolio of valuable assets to distributors, advertising partners and directly to consumers.
He also will be responsible for working with Discovery Networks International to drive its burgeoning international direct-to-consumer business, as well as overseeing emerging revenue streams including the company’s global licensing, consumer products and footage sales businesses.
“Paul brings a track record of results in growing businesses and creating consumer-centric strategies to launch products, create new revenue streams and engage viewers,” said Discovery Communications President and CEO David Zaslav, to whom Guyardo will report. “Adding him to the management team is a major win for Discovery, our business partners and our audiences, and I look forward to his leadership in creating new ways to drive value for our businesses across platforms now and into the future.”
“Discovery Communications has tremendous content and brands, passionate consumers and a world-class leadership team that I’m honored to join,” added Guyardo. “The potential for continued growth is enormous and I look forward to getting started.”
Prior to his DirecTV role as executive vice president, chief revenue and marketing officer, Guyardo held positions at Kmart and HSN.
The media company has also expanded the role of Bruce Campbell, giving him the title of Chief Development, Distribution & Legal Officer.
On Campbell, Zaslav said: “Bruce has been my valued partner for many years, and has overseen the most significant business deals in our 30-year history. His strong and steady management style and thoughtful approach to Discovery’s future, coupled with his extensive experience working across our distribution renewals and education acquisitions, make him the right executive to oversee these additional parts of our business, and I look forward to his continued leadership in this expanded role.”
Bill Goodwyn, chief executive officer of Domestic Content Distribution and president/CEO, Discovery Education, will report to Campbell.
In addition to his new responsibilities overseeing Domestic Distribution and Discovery Education, Campbell supervises the following business areas for Discovery on a global basis: corporate development, including strategic planning and all M&A activity; all legal affairs, serving as the chief legal advisor to the company’s management and board of directors; business affairs; production management; and the company’s production studios.