Continuing to position itself for future growth, National Geographic Television (NGT) has promoted Ken Ferguson to the position of Chief Operating Officer, augmenting his financial and administrative responsibilities with oversight and support of all of NGT’s various operations, including its strategic direction, marketing plans, and distribution operations. Additionally, he will play a key role in managing NGT’s interest in National Geographic Channels Worldwide, a business enterprise of NGT and NBC; Destination Cinema, Inc., one of the largest owners of IMAX theaters in the world; and Explore International, the company’s joint-venture distribution operation with France’s Canal+.
The announcement of Ferguson’s promotion was made by Tim Kelly, President, National Geographic Television.
“Ken’s professional skills and breadth of experience in the entertainment industry have already made a significant contribution to NGT’s long-term growth strategy in his first year on board,” said Kelly. “I am very pleased to make this announcement, and I know that Ken will ably handle the growing responsibility of managing NGT and all of its varied business ventures—and will be an invaluable player in exploring new areas of development for NGT in the future.”
“NGT is experiencing tremendous growth and expansion that will propel the company into a global entertainment force that will include cable channels, dramatic feature films, and large-format films, in addition to its recognized role as a leading blue-chip documentary producer. I’m honored to help lead NGT during such an important time in the company’s rich history,” added Ferguson.
Ferguson’s promotion continues the company’s preparation for future expansion and growth in all facets of the media industry. NGT recently announced the formation of the new Program Enterprise Group, creating a specialized programming development effort to serve National Geographic Channels Worldwide (NGCW). This past summer, NGCW dramatically expanded its reach to include 45 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
Ferguson will work in close collaboration with Andrew Carl Wilk, recently promoted to the position of Executive Vice President of Programming and Production at NGT, as well as with production personnel for NGT’s EXPLORER and Specials series, and with the Natural History and Children’s Programming units, which Wilk oversees.
Ferguson joined National Geographic Television in November 1997 as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer, responsible for all financial, accounting, and budgeting matters within the Television division as well as overall strategic planning for the division and oversight of administration. Prior to joining NGT, Ferguson served as Chief Financial Officer for dick clark productions, inc., and prior to his work at dick clark was the Vice President of Finance for DeLaurentis Entertainment Group in Beverly Hills, California. Ferguson started his career in 1980 as a Consultant in the Entertainment Consulting Group of Andersen Consulting in Los Angeles. During his seven years with Andersen Consulting, he spent two years as a member of the firm’s Australian practice.
Building on its reputation for remarkably visual and compelling stories, National Geographic Television (NGT) augments its award-winning documentary production with new children’s programs, prime-time drama, large-format and feature film programming, as well as international broadcast and video distribution. NGT’s business enterprise with NBC has resulted in the development of National Geographic Channels Worldwide, which launches the National Geographic Channel with local partners throughout the global marketplace. At present, NGT’s programming can be seen in the United States on the NBC, TBS, and PBS networks as well as through syndication and home video. More than 100 different outlets in some 90 territories currently license NGT programming.
Contacts:
Kathie Teter/NGT
Tel: +1 202 857 7671
Gabriella Alaimo/Pryor & Associates
Tel: +1 818 382 2233
