Discovery takes on ex-Capital chief

Discovery Networks Europe (DNE) has brought in former Capital Radio marketing director Lizzie Palmer to head its marketing department after the departure of two top executives.

Palmer has been made acting vice-president of marketing and has been tipped to take up the position permanently.

DNE has just appointed London agency Hooper Galton to handle its 2.5m advertising account. It was previously handled by Bates.

A spokeswoman for Discovery says Palmer was hired at short notice after senior vice-president for marketing Chris Abel was plucked” by the US parent, Discovery Communications, to work in Bethesda, Maryland on a review of the company’s brands. At the same time, vice-president of marketing Chris Turner left to study for an MBA.

The spokeswoman says: “Lizzie has come on board to look after consumer marketing temporarily. Recruitment is proceeding, and it is possible she will get the job. She is overseeing the pitch for our “creative work.”

Palmer worked at Capital Radio for four years before leaving in August 1998 without a job to go to. She later worked at Film Four as a consultant.

DNE runs eight channels through cable and satellite four of them digital across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and has about 20 million subscribers. It is in the process of launching a new channel, Discovery Health.