George Kliavkoff has left media group Hearst, where he was president of its corporate venturing fund Hearst Ventures, to take up a CEO role at US-based virtual reality content producer Jaunt.
Kliavkoff joined Hearst in 2009 as president of Hearst Ventures and deputy group head of Hearst Entertainment & Syndication, the Hearst division that oversees its cable television interests, later becoming co-president of Entertainment & Syndication in 2013.
The executive had previously been chief digital officer at media conglomerate NBC Universal and as part of his duties served as the first CEO of online film and television streaming platform Hulu.
Hearst Ventures investments during Kliavkoff’s tenure include online media platform Buzzfeed, streaming equipment maker Roku and social media management platform Hootsuite.
Arthur van Hoff, Jaunt founder and chief technology officer, who had served as interim CEO, said: “George’s strategic vision and expertise scaling innovative global media companies are exactly the right combination to take Jaunt to the next level.
“His proven track record for introducing forward-thinking video technology platforms to mainstream audiences makes him an exceptional fit for us. The board and I are thrilled that he is joining the company.”
– Photo of George Kliavkoff courtesy of Hearst Communications Inc.