Discovery Communications named chief operating officers for two of its biggest network groups.

Doug Coblens was named COO for the Discovery Channel and The Science Channel, reporting to president and general manager Jane Root. Lori McFarling was named COO for Animal Planet and Discovery Kids Media, reporting to president and general manager Marjorie Kaplan.

The chief operating officers are responsible for business strategy-including brand extensions and new media-while the general managers take on creative responsibilities for their brands, such as programming and marketing.

Previously Mr. Coblens was Discovery’s executive VP, legal and business affairs. Ms. McFarling was senior VP, distribution and marketing strategy.