Investigation Discovery hires Schleiff

Former Crown Media Holdings CEO Henry Schleiff has joined Discovery Communications’ fledgling cablenet Investigation Discovery as president and general manager.

Schleiff, who left Crown recently, will spearhead the development, production, scheduling, research, marketing, communications and online efforts for ID, with direct responsibility for driving the network’s revenue, ratings and brand.

The former Court TV topper will take up the newly-created post from August 1, reporting to Discovery Emerging Networks’ president and general manager Clark Bunting. He will be based in New York.

In a statement, Discovery Communications’ president and CEO David Zaslav said: “Hiring someone of Henry’s experience and stature in the industry underscores the confidence we have in the potential and growth of Investigation Discovery. Henry has created a tremendous amount of value throughout his career and Clark, the board and I look forward to his passionate leadership in unlocking ID’s full potential.”