ATLANTA, Aug. 22, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mother Nature Network (MNN), the world's most visited online network for environmental and social responsibility news and information, today announced the appointment of Matt Crenshaw as President. Mr. Crenshaw joins MNN from Discovery Communications, where he served as Vice President of Marketing and Analytics for Discovery Digital Media, overseeing audience development efforts for their entire portfolio of digital brands, including Discovery Channel, TLC, and Animal Planet. His association with Discovery began when the Company acquired HowStuffWorks - where he was a member of the management team.
"Mother Nature Network has grown quickly to get to where we are today, and I am thrilled to have someone with Matt's background and knowledge help lead us through the next phase of the company's growth," said Joel Babbit, Chief Executive Officer of MNN. "Matt is well respected throughout the digital media industry. Attracting someone with his range of expertise across marketing, technology, analytics, and social media reflects the accelerating growth we're planning," Babbit added.
MNN was launched in 2009 by Babbit and Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell. Equity partners include CNN and Discovery Communications. Its sites -- mnn.com and treehugger.com -- attract more than eight million visits a month from 200 different countries.
"When you look at the growing number of people who want to live their lives in more responsible and sustainable ways – whether seeking out local produce, driving electric cars, or buying brands that share their values – you start to get an idea of the potential for Mother Nature Network," said Crenshaw. "Becoming the No. 1 media brand for this audience represents a tremendous opportunity," he added. "For brands, connecting with this audience in meaningful ways requires communication that goes beyond traditional banner advertising. That is what MNN has proven it does so well."
Mr. Crenshaw is well recognized for his successful track record of applying data-driven strategies to engage audiences through search, social media, brand extensions and media partnerships. He led Discovery's publishing operations and analytics departments and, at HowStuffWorks, oversaw teams that grew organic search referrals from 5 million to 15 million per month.
Prior to HowStuffWorks, Mr. Crenshaw was responsible for building online exhibits at the Chicago History Museum and bringing the museum's collection of more than 20 million artifacts online. He holds a master's degree from Harvard University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia. Crenshaw also serves as a board member of Vox, a non-profit youth-development organization located in Atlanta.
About Mother Nature Network
Mother Nature Network ( www.mnn.com ) is the world's most visited online network for environmental and social responsibility news and information. Its sites -- mnn.com and treehugger.com -- attract more than eight million visits a month from 200 different countries. Launched in 2009 by marketing executive Joel Babbit and Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell, MNN content goes well beyond traditional "green" issues - encompassing a broad range of news and sustainable living topics - including family, health, home, safety, technology, community involvement, and personal finance.
Dan Beeson Mother Nature Network 404.856.7026
