MUMBAI: National Geographic Ventures (NGV), a wholly owned, taxable subsidiary of the National Geographic Society, has announced a series of structural changes in the organisation.
To begin with, NGV CEO Dennis Patrick has been named NGV chairman, while retaining the functions of CEO, providing broad, strategic oversight for the company.
The announcement was made by National Geographic president and CEO John Fahey and Patrick. Patrick is stepping down as president, NGV, and this position is being filled immediately by Tim Kelly, formerly president, National Geographic Television & Film (NGT&F).
NGV creates and distributes content across different platforms and media. NGV business units include NGT&F, National Geographic Digital Media and National Geographic Maps.
Gilbert M. Grosvenor, who had been chairman of NGV since its inception in 1996, will continue as a member of the board of NGV in addition to his chairmanship of National Geographic’s board of trustees, informs an official release.
The new structure of NGV is designed to enable the business units of the company to better compete in the converged digital marketplace. It also organizes NGV functions around content creation and distribution.
“Dennis Patrick will remain a valuable and trusted confidant – knowledgeable of media markets and motivated simply by what is best for National Geographic and its mission,” Fahey said.
“Tim Kelly has steered NGT&F for more than 20 years from its beginnings as a documentary production unit into a multifaceted production and distribution film and television company. We’re lucky to have him ready and willing to take the reins of NGV.”
Also announced today is the appointment of Edward (Ted) M. Prince Jr. in the newly created, dual role of chief operating officer, NGV, and president, NGV Distribution. He will be responsible for the broad, day-to-day operations of NGV and for marketing and business development, home video and DVD distribution, National Geographic Television International (the international distribution arm of NGT&F) and the National Geographic Digital Archive (formerly the National Geographic Film Library). Prince was formerly vice president, business development, NGV, the release adds.
“I am looking forward to assuming a more strategic role as we continue the NGV push into the digital marketplace. I could not have a stronger successor than Tim Kelly. Tim is NGV,” said Dennis Patrick. “We will both count heavily on Ted Prince to oversee operations and expand our access to new digital distribution technologies.”
In addition, Chris McAndrews, formerly senior vice president and general manager of Nationalgeographic.com, has been named to the newly created post of president of Digital Media, NGV. He will continue to oversee all aspects of Nationalgeographic.com, as well as manage the National Geographic Digital Archive and all new initiatives in digital media.
Michael Rosenfeld, formerly executive vice president for Specials and Events programming for NGT&F, has been appointed to the newly created role of executive vice president, Television Programming and Production, overseeing all aspects of documentary programming and production for NGT&F. He is responsible for the Specials and Events programming and production, as well as National Geographic Explorer, NGT&F production for the National Geographic Channel, Production Operations, Editorial Development, Standards and Practices and the Natural History Unit.
“The new team is in place and already on the move,” said Kelly. “There are new opportunities out there, and the new organization is well positioned to take full advantage of the latest trends in all our businesses.”
