A+E Networks has named Mark Garner to the newly created position of Executive Vice President, Head of Global FAST Channels, effective immediately. In his new role, Garner will further concentrate his efforts on this key growth area to accelerate the group’s FAST business internationally, while also continuing to build US reach and performance.
A+E Networks was an early entrant into the FAST space, launching its first channel, History Shorts, in 2018, and steadily expanding its robust collection to more than 20 channels across lifestyle, competition, true crime, movies, and other fan-favorite genres from their vast library of premium content.
“As FAST continues to be a critical area for growth around the world, we are thrilled to announce the expansion of Mark’s role at A+E Networks. Under his leadership, A+E was an early entrant to the space, helping to monetize our vast library of owned and original content across an emerging fleet of digital and streaming platforms. With Mark at the helm, we will continue to build on our pioneering global position in FAST,” said Steven MacDonald, President of Global Licensing & International, to whom he reports.
A 23-year veteran of A+E, Garner most recently served as Executive Vice President of Global Content Partnerships and Business Development, primarily focusing on the monetization of A+E Networks’ library through partnerships with emerging content distribution platforms. He was also charged with optimizing A+E Networks’ core creative business through developing new businesses including podcasting and out-of-home distribution.
Prior to joining A+E Networks, Garner worked as an executive at several start-up ventures, including a satellite broadcast network based in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he successfully built the network’s distribution. After his time in South Africa, he led business development efforts for a direct-to-consumer, online automotive sales venture. Garner also held positions at MTV Networks and AT&T in sales, marketing and product management.
Furthermore, Garner currently serves as a board member of Mipcom’s Diversity & Inclusion Group. Prior board service includes Director of Appointments for privately held Black News Channel (BNC), the not-for-profit South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), and industry associations including NAMIC (the media industry’s leading organization for advocacy on behalf of people of color), CTAM, and The Digital Entertainment Group.