Craig E. Engler has been promoted to SVP and GM, SCIFI Digital, and will continue to report to Dave Howe, president, Sci Fi Channel. Craig previously served as SVP, SciFi.com and SCI FI MAGAZINE.
"Craig's aggressive portfolio strategy of launching standalone sites in the affinity categories of technology, gaming and entertainment has driven SciFi.com toward unprecedented growth, yielding record highs in all key metrics," said Howe in making the announcement. "His ambition, expertise and vision has lead SciFi.com to be the world's largest genre entertainment site, and a pioneer in digital technology."
In his new position, Engler will oversee the business and content development of Sci Fi's digital portfolio, which currently includes SciFi.com, DVice.com, SCIFIWIRE.COM, Fidgit.com and ChillerTV.com, as well as Sci Fi's mobile and broadband offerings. He will also continue to spearhead Sci Fi's aggressive stance when it comes to extending shows online, as well as continuing to work on digital business development opportunities.
Previously he was responsible for liaising with the NBC Universal cross-platform digital team, and was charged with the digital growth and expansion of Sci Fi, including the continued development of original online content, and the launch of the new portfolio of standalone sites DVice, Fidgit, Game Center and SCIFIWIRE. These affinity sites, which leverage the key categories of technology, gaming and entertainment respectively, consistently deliver high impact content and record traffic. Under Engler's leadership, Sci Fi Channel has been on the forefront of digital technology with innovations like the critically acclaimed BATTLESTAR GALACTICA webisodes.
Prior to joining SCIFI.COM full-time in 1999, Engler founded SCIENCE FICTION WEEKLY, the first Internet magazine devoted to science fiction. It was sold to the SCI FI Channel in 1999.
From 1994 to 1997 Engler worked for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), where his last position was Electronic Publishing Editor for IEEE SPECTRUM, their flagship magazine. Prior to his stint with IEEE, he held several positions in journalism.
As a freelance writer, Engler's credits range from THE NEW YORK TIMES to WIRED. In addition, for four years he served as an "expert editor" for Amazon.com, and he also consulted for YAHOO! INTERNET LIFE. He is a regular speaker at events like Digital Hollywood, Blog-On and the Digital Media Summit, and has participated in the AFI's Enhanced Television program.
