Raw builds US executive team

Discovery Communications-owned Raw TV has promoted Adam Hawkins to executive VP of US television as the firm builds out its American production business.

Hawkins was previously the UK prodco’s senior VP, development. He will now work alongside EVP, US factual Sam Maynard and SVP and executive producer James Bates to grow the business Stateside.

Raw’s key US series is Discovery Channel’s Gold Rush, while recent commissions include Race For the White House for CNN, No Man Left Behind (National Geographic Channel), Two in a Million (TLC) and Women in Prison (Investigation Discovery).

Hawkins will continue to work on its US unscripted slate and oversee some new projects as executive producer. He’ll also work with the scripted team to build that side of the slate, which currently includes Discovery’s Harley and the Davidsons.

Hawkins will report to CEO Joely Fether, the former Zodiak Media UK chief, and company founder Dimitri Doganis.

“Adam is not only the best attuned development brain I’ve ever worked with on either side of the Atlantic, he’s also a great strategic brain with a deep understanding of the different networks and distinct audiences,” said Doganis. “He combines that with being collaborative and collegiate and a great guy to work.”

Discovery bought Raw in March 2014.