Laura Nichols, who led global communications for the Motion Picture Association of America, has been cast as chief communications officer of National Geographic Partners, the film venture between 21st Century Fox and National Geographic Society.
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The film studio and non-profit inked a deal in September in a for-profit enterprise that gives Fox a stake in all of Nat Geo's media entities for around $725M.
Nichols ran all of MPAA's communications, encompassing media relations, messaging research and marketing, digital and public affairs. She joined the movie industry group after serving as senior VP of comms. and strategy for the Center for American Progress.
“As National Geographic broadens its horizons and expands our business across new channels and new platforms, Laura is the perfect person to lead our communications efforts,” CEO Declan Moore said.
Earlier stints for Nichols included Public Broadcasting Service and comms. director for House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt.
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