National Geographic Channel Overhauls Management

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David Lyle, left, and David Hill

National Geographic Channels U.S. will undergo a complete management makeover that includes a new CEO and the installation of 21st Century Fox senior executive vp David Hill as board chairman.

David Lyle is stepping down as CEO of Nat Geo, a joint venture of Fox Cable Networks and National Geographic. Courteney Monroe, who has served as chief marketing officer for National Geographic Channels domestic networks since joining the company in January 2012, has been promoted to CEO effective May 1.

The moves come one day after Howard Owens said he would step down in June as president after three years on the job.

Courteney is a truly remarkable executive, with a proven track record of energizing programming brands both here at National Geographic Channels and during her time at HBO, said Gary E. Knell, president and CEO of the National Geographic Society, and Peter Rice, chairman and CEO of Fox Networks Group, in a joint statement. She is also a proven leader, who has a clear vision of the television landscape, and we are very lucky to have her overseeing our domestic channels.

Before joining National Geographic Channels, she was executive vp consumer marketing and digital platforms at HBO. In her new role, she will report to the board of directors of the National Geographic Channels.

During my tenure as CMO at the National Geographic Channels, I have seen the power of this brand, and am excited by the opportunity to grow these networks, both creatively and commercially, for our partners and our advertisers, Monroe said. Being part of the team that laid such a strong foundation over the past few years has given me invaluable insight into what it is going to take to get us to the next level.

Hill, who currently serves as a member of the National Geographic Channels board of directors, will add the title of chairman, providing counsel to the executive and programming leadership team. Hill will remain a member of the board and also continue to play a leadership role in the production of American Idol.

Hill originally joined Fox Broadcasting in 1993 as the first president of Fox Sports and has since he has served as chairman and CEO of the Fox Broadcasting Company, president of DirecTVs entertainment division and chairman and COO/executive producer of the National Geographic Channel, all while maintaining his duties at Fox Sports, where he was named Chairman and CEO.

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National Geographic Channel Overhauls Management