Gary Knell, Former CEO of Nat Geo and NPR, Joins QCatalyst Consulting Firm as Partner

As a seasoned movie lover who appreciates tales of resilience and adaptability, I find Gary Knell‘s latest move to be nothing short of captivating. With a career spanning decades and sectors, from National Geographic Society and NPR to Sesame Workshop, Knell has proven himself as a true maestro of media.


Gary Knell, who previously held the position of CEO at both the National Geographic Society and NPR, has now become a partner at the consulting company known as QCatalyst.

Under the leadership of ex-PBS digital chief Jason Seiken, QCatalyst specializes in partnering with various clients, particularly those involved in digital and public media sectors. This is a field that Michael R. Knell is familiar with, having worked at NPR and served as the head of Sesame Workshop earlier in his career. In his new position, Knell will play a crucial role in the team that provides strategic business advice, leadership guidance, marketing solutions, and board interaction to clients.

Knell shared with EbMaster his observation that numerous nonprofit and startup organizations find it challenging to incorporate a digital strategy throughout their entire workflow.

As a passionate cinephile discussing digital products, let me clarify: It’s not enough to merely consider having these digital goods; you need a well-thought-out plan. I offer insights that can help shape forward-looking strategies for businesses and clients. Jason and his team are masters at executing these plans. My primary role is to assist with strategy development, organizational design, branding, and marketing.

Knell found Washington, D.C.-based QCatalyst to be a suitable match for his interests due to its focus on nonprofit media and purpose-driven organizations. The company is dedicating significant effort to understanding how artificial intelligence (AI) can be utilized in fields such as education, English language learning, and supporting students with special needs. Moreover, Knell, who resides in New York, has also been appointed to the board of QCatalyst’s sister AI company, Zoc.

“He mentioned that we’re no strangers to the game, as we have the practical knowledge from collaborating with organizations aiming for innovation and those striving for disruption.”

Following his departure from National Geographic in 2021, Knell assumed the role of senior media consultant at Boston Consulting Group. Additionally, he sits on the boards of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, StoryCorps, and Common Sense Media.

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2024-08-22 19:49