Discovery sets new home video VP position
Former Acorn Media staffer hired for role
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 3/17/2008
MARCH 17 | Dan Hamby has been named VP of home video at Discovery Commerce, the e-commerce and consumer products division of Discovery Communications.
In this newly created role, Hamby will maximize the growth of Discovery’s DVD business through its company owned retail properties, DiscoveryStore.com and Discovery Channel Catalog. He also will exploit opportunities with direct-response TV and third-party licensing deals, which include Discovery DVD distribution pacts through Genius Products and Image Entertainment.
Hamby will report to Kelly Day, chief operating officer at Discovery Commerce.
Most recently, Hamby served as general manager at Educate, which operates such achievement-based products as The Sylvan Learning Centers, Hooked on Phonics and TV series Reading Rainbow.
Hamby also has worked at Acorn Media, a distributor of British TV programming.
“Dan’s experience in home entertainment and licensing will be an important asset as we develop strategies to fully monetize Discovery programming—from our signature network series to unique collections of classic titles,” said Day. “I look forward to working closely with Dan to create new ways to maximize the potential of our home video business.”
