Turner names new lead for CNN and comms

Turner Broadcasting has appointed Jeff Zucker (pictured) to replace Jim Walton as president of CNN Worldwide.It also appointed Oliver Herrgesell as its senior vice president of communications for markets outside the US.Previously the chief of NBC Universal, Zucker(pictured) will join CNN Worldwide as president, effective January 2013, overseeing a portfolio of 23 branded news and information businesses that includes CNN/U.S., CNN International, CNN.com and HLN. Zucker will report to Phil Kent, chairman and CEO of Turner Broadcasting System and will be based at CNN in New York. Walton announced his departure earlier in the year."As a programmer, a brand-builder and a leader, he will bring energy and new thinking to CNN. I couldn't be happier to welcome him or more excited about what he'll accomplish here," said Kent.Meanwhile, Turner has also appointed Oliver Herrgesell as senior vice president of communications. Herrgesell will serve as Turner Broadcasting's chief communications and public relations executive in markets outside the US, charged with developing communications strategy and overseeing execution of messaging.He begins in his role on 1 December, working closely with Gerhard Zeiler, president of Turner Broadcasting System International. Herrgesell will be based in London at Turner International's EMEA headquarters and will report to Jeff Matteson, senior vice president of communications for Turner Broadcasting System.Herrgesell served as executive vice president of communications, public affairs & marketing for RTL Group in Luxembourg from 2006 until earlier this year. Previously, he was chief press officer and head of internal communications for Bertelsmann AG.