DISCOVERY names JOSHUA FREEMAN Evp, digital media

-- Former AOL Exec to Accelerate Move Into Digital Environment --

SILVER SPRING, Md.- Discovery Communications today named AOL executive Joshua Freeman as Executive Vice President, Digital Media. He will report to Bruce Campbell, President, Digital Media and Business Development.

As Discovery’s top digital media strategist, Freeman will be responsible for growing Discovery brands across digital platforms globally. Charged with seeking out new technology and strategic alliances, and developing new business models and markets, he is expected to help Discovery expand its footprint through the role and visibility of its world-class portfolio of brands online, on mobile and through other digital platforms.

“Josh brings keen judgment and unparalleled insight into running a cutting-edge, results-focused digital business. We’re excited to welcome him to Discovery,” said Campbell. “The strength of our brands globally and the richness of our content position us for a significantly increased role in the digital environment. We’re counting on Josh to accelerate these efforts, and enhance consumer satisfaction, interaction and loyalty to our brands.”

Freeman was most recently Senior Vice President, Operations & Planning, AOL Products. He led business operations for a division employing more than 1,500 people, oversaw distribution partnerships for free AOL products and managed all content partnerships for AOL Video, striking more than 25 deals with companies including CBS, NBC Universal, Fox, Sony, Viacom and Warner Bros.

Earlier he was Vice President, Strategy and Business Development for AOL Video, the company’s broadband video distribution business, which he helped to launch. In this capacity, Freeman negotiated partnerships with major media companies and third-party technology providers. Previous posts in Freeman’s AOL career that began in 1999 included Director/Executive Director for Business Affairs and Development, and Manager/Senior Manager, Corporate Development.

Prior to joining AOL, Freeman worked at Bain & Co. in Boston as a consultant to media, banking, retail and technology clients. Previously, he was a program officer with the National Democratic Institute in Washington and in Moscow. He earned an MBA and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University, and his bachelor’s degree in Russian Studies from Amherst College. Freeman will be based at Discovery’s global headquarters in Silver Spring, Md.