Ellen Digital Ventures Taps Former Freeform President To Serve As General Manager

Ellen Digital Ventures (EDV), the joint venture between the beloved talk show host and Warner Bros. Digital Networks, has tapped former TV exec Michael Riley to serve as its new general manager.

Ellen Digital Ventures comprises DeGeneres’ Ellentube digital video hub as well as her mobile game ventures. In his new position, Riley will be responsible for the overall vision and financial management of EDV — including its content studio (which produces Ellen’s Show Me More Show and Ellen’s Pet Dish), digital games, and all social media activity. He will report to EDV’s board and will work in close tandem with The Ellen DeGeneres Show executive producers Mary Connelly, Ed Glavin, Andy Lassner, and Kevin A. Leman II.

Riley formerly served as president of ABC Family, which is now known as Freeform. During his tenure, the channel became cable’s No. 1 network in primetime among young women for the first time in its history. Most recently, Riley served as president and CEO of KCETLink Media Group

— a Southern California-based digital content hub. He began his career with Turner Broadcasting in Europe, where he served as SVP and general manager for Turner brands across the region.

“Michael is a smart, thoughtful and strategic leader,” Warner Bros. Digital Networks president Craig Hunegs said in a statement. “His strong track record evolving businesses and digital expertise make him an invaluable part of Ellen and Warner Bros. Digital Networks, and we’re thrilled to have him join the team.”

Jill Braff formerly served as GM of EDV, though she joined the female-leaning digital lifestyle brand Brit + Co as president in January.