A+E Networks Names Mark Garner Head of FAST

In the new role, Garner is charged with accelerating the group’s FAST business internationally, while also continuing to build US reach and performance.

He reports to Steven MacDonald, President of Global Licensing & International at A+E Networks.

A+E Networks was an early entrant into the FAST space, launching its first channel, History Shorts, in 2018. It now has 20 channels across lifestyle, competition, true crime, movies, and other genres from its library of content.

A 23-year veteran of A+E, Garner most recently served as Executive Vice President of Global Content Partnerships and Business Development. In this role, he was primarily focusing on the monetisation of A+E Networks’ library through partnerships with emerging content distribution platforms. He was also charged with developing new businesses including podcasting and out-of-home distribution.

“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 MacDonald.

Garner currently serves as a board member of Mipcom’s Diversity & Inclusion Group.