Former Discovery, Fox, and Google executive John Honeycutt has been appointed chair of the IBC Council.

Honeycutt, who has been an IBC Council member since 2014, has taken up the position with immediate effect. He will now guide the organisation as it defines its strategic vision for the future of events and continues its mission to facilitate growth across the media, entertainment, and technology industry.

John Honeycutt

John Honeycutt

He said: “IBC’s purpose is to drive thought leadership and innovation across the broadcast and electronic media industry. Core to that mission is IBC’s ability to bring people together to share information and insight. IBCs inclusive approach – by the industry, for the industry – ensures it is a positive catalyst for growth and progress.

“I am very excited to be taking on the Chair at a time when IBC has the opportunity to re-invent itself to meet the needs of the industry as it emerges from the challenges of Covid.”

Honeycutt has significant international experience across all aspects of the media industry, holding C-suite roles at notable broadcasters and TV service providers such as Discovery Communications, Fox Cable Networks, Google, and Liberty Media.

Read more Interview: John Honeycutt 

He succeeds Naomi Climer, who has held the role for the past five years.

She said: “Congratulations to John on his appointment as IBC Council Chair. It was a pleasure to work with him, and the rest of the IBC Council, over the past years. I am pleased that I am handing over the baton to someone so deeply embedded with the media and entertainment industry and who has a clear vision for the future.”

IBC chief executive Michael Crimp added: “On behalf of the whole IBC team, I want to thank Naomi for her dedicated service.

“She has been instrumental in modernising and refreshing our organisation and steering us through this challenging Covid-19 period.

“I am delighted to see John take the Chair role. I am looking forward to working together to shape the future of IBC and explore new ways of collaborating with our media industry colleagues to create connections and value.”