Discovery poaches Viacom exec for data push

Discovery Communications has appointed Viacom executive Christopher McGrath as senior vice president of data and analytics.

Reporting to chief technology officer John Honeycutt, McGrath will be responsible for the vision and execution of Discovery’s global data strategy, with a focus on driving innovation and growth across its brands.

According to the company, he will oversee a global group tasked with designing and delivering solutions that monetise Discovery’s insights and data assets in new ways.

“Discovery is laser-focused on utilising new technologies to enhance both our longstanding and recent investments and to grow our global direct-to-consumer and digital businesses,” said Honeycutt.

“Chris’ expertise and strategic ability to implement solution-oriented technology across our business will allow us to scale and widen our digital footprint for deeper consumer engagement.”

McGrath joins Discovery after an eight-year stint at Viacom, where since 2011 he has worked as senior vice president, data strategy and consumer intelligence, overseeing data strategy, warehousing, governance, data science and analytic functions for the company.