Discovery Inc. said it has promoted company veteran Matthew Butler to general manager of the Travel Channel, effective immediately. Butler replaces former Travel Channel GM Jane Latman, who was named president of HGTV last week. Latman moved up after Allison Page was tapped to oversee the new network Discovery is creating with Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper fame.
“Given the terrific success of Travel’s recent repositioning, coupled with Matt’s long-term impact on the brand, we didn’t have far to go in search of our new GM,” said Discovery chief lifestyle brands officer Kathleen Finch in a press release. “I’m delighted to have Matt continue the vision he and Jane Latman created together for Travel, opening the brand to explore more mystery and adventure, while remaining keenly focused on creating content that our loyal viewers will love.”
As general manager, Butler will oversee the development, production, scheduling and overall operations for Travel Channel, and will be charged with leading the strategic growth of the audience and the brand.
Related: Discovery Names Jane Latman president of HGTV
Butler will report to Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Destination America and American Heroes Channel group president Henry Schleiff.
“Matt is taking over Travel Channel at a time of great momentum and strength,” Schleiff said in a press release. “Indeed, with more than a decade of experience and expertise with Travel, no one is more knowledgeable about its viewers and their passion for this popular genre. We are fortunate to have such a creative and dedicated team at Travel and I look forward to seeing Matt lead it to even greater heights.”
Butler was most recently VP, programming and development for the Travel Channel, responsible for cultivating original content for the network and shepherding series from concept to premiere. Before rejoining Travel Channel in 2018, Butler was a member of the executive team that launched Destination America and American Heroes Channel.
Previously, he spent a decade at Travel Channel, from 2000-2010, developing shows like Man v. Food, Ghost Adventures, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, and Mysteries at the Museum. He also served in roles at PBS, ESPN and QVC. He will be based in Silver Spring, Maryland.
“I’m thrilled to lead this incredibly talented team and continue the strategy we began together a year ago,” Butler said in a press release. “I’m excited about the future of our brand and to launch a new wave of shows for our superfans.”
