Group President

Animal Planet, Science and Velocity

Kaplan repositioned the Animal Planet brand as “Surprisingly Human,” a move that made the network a Top 20 cable channel with men. She added programming about legendary creatures like mermaids as well as shows that reflect man’s interaction with the natural world. Her team has collectively driven U. S. market share from 4% to nearly 11%. Outside work, she’s still involved with nature: “I’m actually stunned by how many people walking outside are talking on their phones or staring at a device instead of looking at the world around them or just up at the sky,” she says. “Breathe.”

What’s your favorite part of your job?
I have a risk-taking, dynamic workplace filled with daring and talented creative people who are expected to bring their best selves to work every day. How could I not love that?
 
Best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance?
I make a deliberate point of NEVER taking anything electronic when I walk my dog. I’m actually stunned by how many people walking outside are talking on their phones or staring at a device instead of looking at the world around them or just up at the sky. Breathe…
 
Who would you want to swap jobs with for a month and why?
Kelly Slater. I’d love to be a great surfer and it would be great to have his bold, risk-taking presence on my businesses.

The Daily

Subscribe

Blue Stream Enters New Era With Fresh Leadership

It’s a new dawn for Blue Stream Fiber after spending the past month recalibrating its leadership roster.

Read the Full Issue
The Skinny is delivered on Tuesday and focuses on the cable profession. You'll stay in the know on the headlines, topics and special issues you value most. Sign Up

Calendar

Sep 11
2025 Faxies Awards Faxies Nominations Open! Final deadline: 4/4/25
Full Calendar

Jobs

Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB or hiring for one?
VIEW JOBS

In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors. The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers.

Contact Carley Ashley, [email protected], for more information about posting a job on the website and our Jobs newsletter, sent twice weekly to 85,000 media professionals.