Maurizio Vitale joins Oprah’s network as senior VP, marketing

MUMBAI: Maurizio Vitale has been named Oprah Winfrey Network (Own) senior VP, marketing.

The announcement was made by Own CEO Christina Norman to whom he will report.
 
In this new position, Vitale will be responsible for all on-air and off-air marketing and promotional opportunities for the network, as well as the brand position and identity of Own which launches on 1 January 2011.

Norman says, “Maurizio has done a phenomenal job for the Discovery Networks internationally, providing creative messaging and a fresh and relevant perspective. I know he will be a strong member of my team, and look forward to tapping into his extensive knowledge as we launch Own.”
 
Vitale joins Own from Discovery Networks Europe, Middle East and Africa where he was senior vice president, marketing communications. He was responsible for directing all elements of the brand expression to over 100 markets in 25 different languages, and developing locally compelling campaigns throughout EMEA to increase brand franchise and brand equity.

Vitale will join Own after a transition from Discovery Europe.
 
Own is a JV between Harpo and Discovery. It will be a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform, and inspire people to live their best lives.

Own will debut in approximately 80 million homes, on what is currently the Discovery Health Channel. The venture also will include the digital platform, Oprah.com.