Welling gets new role at Discovery

Discovery Communications’ senior VP and head of channels for Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa has been given a new role at the US media giant.

Paul Welling

Company veteran Paul Welling has been named senior VP of international brand and franchise development for Discovery Networks International (DNI).

Welling will be tasked with overseeing the launch and growth of Discovery’s brands and franchises to viewers around the world in the consumer-facing role.

The exec, who has spent almost two decades with Discovery, will report to Marjorie Kaplan, president of content for DNI, and will be based at the company’s London office.

“He knows the right levers to pull in order to really make our content more than just a broadcast; he will make it into an event,” said Kaplan.

“Now more than ever, Discovery needs to bolster our strong and beloved global brands with content and dynamic campaigns that are not only authentic and purpose-driven, but entertaining, buzzworthy and compelling,” added Welling.

Welling has also been head of emerging markets channels at the company, leading Discovery Networks UK’s lifestyle and entertainment group and programming the portfolio of channels in the UK business.