Discovery Names Courtney White Food Network President

Discovery, Inc. has named Courtney White to head up Food Network, the company said Monday.

Courtney White 

Courtney White 

As president of Food Network, White will oversee the company’s food brands. Former president of HGTV and Food Network Allison Page will now concentrate on HGTV going forward, according to Discovery. Page will also continue to work closely with former Fixer Upper stars Chip and Joanna Gaines as they work toward launching their own TV network in tandem with Discovery.

White, formerly executive vice president and general manger of HGTV and Food Network, will relocate to New York from Knoxville, Tenn. She became senior vice president of programming for Travel Channel in late 2015 after serving as vice president of program development and production for HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country.

“Courtney has been instrumental to the growth of both Food Network and HGTV, turning talented home experts and everyday chefs into treasured, household names,” said Kathleen Finch, chief lifestyle brands officer for Discovery, to whom White will report. “With her strategic eye on Food Network and Allison’s on HGTV, we’ll ensure these iconic brands continue to delight our passionate fans and maximize their unique value to our advertising and affiliate partners.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.