Former Fox and News Corp. executive Richard Battista has joined LodgeNet Interactive as its president and CEO, the company — which provides interactive media and connectivity to hospitality and healthcare businesses — said Wednesday.
Battista, who spent nearly 20 years in the employ of Fox and News Corp., served a variety of positions with those companies, including executive vice president of News Corporation and president of Fox National Cable Networks.
Also read: Exclusive: News Corp. EVP Rich Battista Exits
Most recently, Battista — who left News Corp. in 2010 — had formed Pontiac Digital Media.
LodgeNet board member Doug Bradbury said that the company will "benefit from [Battista's] extensive strategic vision and operational expertise as well as his background in both traditional and digital media businesses. Rich joins LodgeNet at an opportune time, as the company is a leader in its industry and continues to further diversify its business."
Battista also served as CEO of Gemstar-TV Guide International, where he directed the 2008 sale of the company to Macrovision for $2.3 billion and orchestrated the revitalization of "TV Guide Magazine" and TV Guide Network.