Nat Geo adds digital and marketing chiefs

The reorganisation of National Geographic is continuing with two new additions joining the TV and publishing giant.

Rachel Webber will head up digital at Nat Geo in a newly created role, and Jill Cress will run marketing.

Nat Geo has extensively rejigged its management since 21^st Century Fox took over the factual giant.

Webber will be executive VP, digital product, running digital products across the Nat Geo portfolio and reporting to Declan Moore, CEO, National Geographic Partners.

She will run with Nat Geo channels and other products with a remit to drive numbers and monetisation.

Moore said: “Rachel has proven herself an adept executive in her Fox career, and we’re thrilled to bring her energetic voice and unique experience across digital and traditional media to the National Geographic team.

Nat Geo is owned by 21^st Century Fox, and Webber joins from the core Fox Television Group, where she set up a brands partnership division. Before that she was at Angry Birds company Rovio Entertainment and blogging business Tumblr.

“I’m very grateful to Dana Walden and Gary Newman for their generous support and mentorship in this transition,’ she said. “I’m thrilled to take on this next adventure within the 21st Century Fox family.”

Cress transfers from the financial sector where she was EVP, global consumer strategy. She will report to Nat Geo’s TV boss Courteney Monroe and oversee brand strategy and marketing for the entire NGP portfolio.

“National Geographic has built an impressive portfolio of recognised and admired content throughout the years,” said Cress. “I look forward to working with Declan, Courteney and the rest of the senior team to continue to build brand momentum and audience share for National Geographic Partners.”