OWN names marketing chief

The Oprah Winfrey Network: OWN has hired former Discovery exec Maurizio Vitale as senior vice-president, marketing.

Vitale , who was previously senior VP, marketing communications for Discovery Networks EMEA, will be responsible for all of the channel’s on-air and off-air marketing and brand positioning. The channel, which is a joint venture between Winfrey’s production company Harpo and Discovery Communications, will launch on January 1, 2011.