Rich Ross named president of Discovery Channel

Discovery Communications has tapped veteran programming executive Rich Ross to run its flagship network.

Ross will step into his new position as president of Discovery Channel in January. For nearly two years, he has served as chief executive of Shine America, the U.S. arm of Shine, the television production company founded by Elisabeth Murdoch.

News of his Ross’ new gig comes within weeks of the merger of three TV production companies -- 21st Century Fox’s Shine Group and Apollo Global Management’s Endemol and Core Media Group. That new entity separately on Tuesday named a new management team.

At Discovery, Ross will be returning to a prominent position as the chief of an established TV network. His move comes amid uncertainty in the television industry as networks fight to hold onto viewers who have more entertainment options.

Ross will take over the role that was formally occupied by Eileen O’Neill before her move in August to oversee Discovery’s global production operation.

In his new position, Ross will oversee programming, marketing and day-to-day operations of the channel.

In a switch of pace for the cable programming company based in Silver Spring, Md., Ross will work from Los Angeles.

He will report to David Zaslav, chief executive of Discovery Communications.

“This network is the gold standard of programmers and to be able to add to its depth of great content with new stories and new characters is simply thrilling,” Ross said in a statement.

Zaslav, in turn, said he expects Ross’ pedigree to lead Discovery to “its next great chapter.”

“Rich is one of the most creative storytellers, ratings drivers, brand builders and TV executives in the industry today,” Zaslav said.

The move keeps Ross in TV waters.

After starting out at Viacom’s Nickelodeon, Ross gained profile while heading Disney Channels Worldwide, overseeing the development of key properties such as “Hannah Montana” and “Lizzie McGuire.”

In 2009, Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger selected Ross to run the film division, Walt Disney Studios. But Ross’ tenure was quickly marred by executive upheaval and costly flops such as “John Carter.”

Ross was unseated from the film role in 2012 after 2-1/2 years.

He followed that up by joining Shine, bringing him back to his small screen roots, in early 2013. He went to work at Shine just as the company, known for “The Biggest Loser” and “MasterChef,” looked to boost its scripted profile.

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