ITV, the U.K. TV giant, has recently announced the addition of Marjorie Kaplan, former top executive at Discovery, to its board of directors. This move is part of ITV’s efforts to strengthen its leadership team and adapt to the evolving media industry landscape.
Marjorie Kaplan will join the board as an independent non-executive director, starting from September 1. Kaplan left Discovery in 2016, well before its merger with Warner Bros. to create Warner Bros. Discovery. During her time at Discovery, she held various senior executive positions and played a key role in driving the growth of major networks in the U.S. She also played a pivotal role in building new franchises and capitalizing on revenue opportunities across multiple platforms. In addition, she was responsible for overseeing the international division’s global content activities across the portfolio worldwide. With her extensive experience in both the U.S. and Europe, Kaplan brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic insights to the ITV board.
Currently, Kaplan serves as a professional mentor and head of faculty at Merryck & Co., a global firm that provides experienced CEOs and business leaders to help organizations enhance their leadership impact. She also serves as a non-executive director of ProSiebenSat.1 Media, a German TV giant, and ArtDAI, a financial technology firm specializing in fine art data, analytics, and intelligence.
ITV chair Andrew Cosslett expressed his confidence in Kaplan’s appointment, stating that her strong background in content and audience strategy will further enhance the diverse mix of expertise and experience on the board. Kaplan herself noted the pivotal moment in the media industry and expressed her excitement in joining ITV as it navigates the changing business landscape. She acknowledged ITV’s leadership position in production, broadcasting, and streaming and looks forward to contributing to the company’s strategic transformation.
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This announcement comes shortly after ITV reported lower financial results for the first half of the year. The company cited a challenging advertising market and investments in its streaming service, ITVX, as factors contributing to the decline. The addition of Kaplan to the board signals ITV’s commitment to addressing these challenges and positioning itself for future growth.
With the appointment of Marjorie Kaplan, ITV aims to leverage her extensive experience and expertise to strengthen its content and audience strategy. The media industry is undergoing significant changes, with streaming services and digital platforms disrupting traditional broadcasting models. As a key player in the U.K. television market, ITV recognizes the importance of adapting to these changes and staying ahead of the competition.
By adding Kaplan to its board, ITV gains a valuable advisor with a proven track record of transforming and growing global brands and businesses. Kaplan’s background in both the U.S. and Europe will bring unique perspectives to the company’s decision-making processes. Her experience in building vibrant organizations and unlocking revenue opportunities will be instrumental in driving ITV’s strategic transformation and maintaining its leadership position in the industry.
As ITV continues to focus on its streaming service, ITVX, Kaplan’s expertise in audience strategy will be crucial in attracting and retaining viewers in an increasingly competitive streaming market. With her guidance, the company can capitalize on its wealth of content and expand its streaming offerings to meet the evolving demands of consumers.
In conclusion, the addition of Marjorie Kaplan to ITV’s board of directors brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the company. As the media industry undergoes significant transformations, ITV recognizes the need to adapt and innovate. Kaplan’s expertise in content strategy, audience engagement, and global brand growth will be instrumental in driving ITV’s strategic transformation and maintaining its competitive edge. With her appointment, ITV is well-positioned to navigate the changing media landscape and continue to deliver high-quality content to its viewers.
