Discovery to integrate India & Asia operations; Johri made country manager for India

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MUMBAI: A process of change has been set in motion at Discovery Networks India as it integrates with the Asian operations.

As a part of this integration, Discovery Networks India SVP advertising sales Rahul Johri will assume management responsibility for India as SVP and country manager, reporting to Discovery Networks Asia MD and EVP Tom Keaveny.

Following this transition, Discovery Networks India MD and EVP Deepak Shourie will move into a new role as advisor, corporate affairs, India for the company.

These appointments will be effective from 1 July.

The reporting structure at Discovery Networks India will, thus, change once Johri takes charge. In terms of organisational structure, the India office has been reporting directly in to the Discovery headquarters at Silver Spring, Washington DC.


In the new scheme of things, the India operations will now come under the Singapore office and become subsumed under Discovery Asia.


"The integration formally recognises the close alignment, existing synergies and long-standing partnership between Discovery Networks India and Discovery Networks Asia," the company said in a release.

Discovery Networks India, which launched in 1995 and distributes Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and Discovery Travel & Living, will continue to be managed directly in the market under Johri's leadership out of the company's Indian headquarters in Delhi, with additional offices in Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai.

"The integration of our India and Asia operations will position Discovery more competitively in the region by allowing us to collaborate across both businesses and more effectively share content and resources in order to drive continued growth. The strength of our business in India is a tribute to Shourie's leadership and significant contributions, and we remain committed to strong investment in the market," said Discovery Networks International CEO and president Greg Ricca.

With more than 15 years experience in the Indian media industry, Johri joined Discovery in 2001 from IMG. As head of advertising sales with additional responsibility for the region's research and communications functions, Johri has played an integral role in consolidating and strengthening Discovery's portfolio in India over the past seven years.

"I am honoured to step into this new role and look forward to working with the entire team in India to move the business forward. We remain committed to strengthening our portfolio in the market in order to deepen our relationships with audiences, affiliates and advertisers alike and ensure Discovery's networks remain as relevant and entertaining as possible," said Johri.

Shourie has managed Discovery Networks India since 2001. He oversaw the launch of the company's first international lifestyle channel, Discovery Travel & Living, in India in 2004, and also revamped Discovery Channel's programming and marketing strategies in the market. Shourie also oversaw the creation of the One Alliance distribution joint-venture with Sony Entertainment Television, which now manages cable operations for partner and third-party channels.

"This new structure is part of the continued evolution of Discovery's operations in India. I believe the time is right to formally recognise our close relationship with Asia and transition to new leadership, and I look forward to continuing to serve the company in an advisory capacity. Rahul's proven track record and in-depth knowledge of the business, combined with his passion for Discovery, will help drive continued success in India," said Shourie.

Keaveny has served as EVP and Managing Director, Discovery Networks Asia, since 2005. He first joined Discovery in 1999 and served in a variety of senior sales and revenue roles in Europe, Latin America and Asia prior to taking over management of Asia. He reports to Ricca.

Source : http://www.indiantelevision.com/headline...may243.php