Discovery has announced it is streamlining its EMEA business by consolidating several of its operating markets. The company says the move will help improve its strategic focus, drive efficiencies, and enable further investment in its D2C [direct-to-consumer] businesses.
Kasia Kieli, president and MD of EMEA, explained, “We are working systematically to rationalise our operation and find synergies and efficiencies across our EMEA business. We have come a long way over the years and with this restructuring we have defined a clear path towards a leaner operating model, where we utilise the best competence across markets. By combining knowhow and leveraging our scale, we will be able to streamline decision making and operate with greater speed and focus towards future business opportunities.”
The new operation will see the portfolio run by James Gibbons ‘realigned’ to include the Nordic markets as well as the UK, with Gibbons becoming GM UK & Nordics. Nicklas Norrby, formerly in charge of the Swedish business, will run the Nordic markets reporting into Gibbons.
Susanne Aigner will run the new Germany and Benelux division as general manager (GM), while Spain and France will be managed by GM Iberia and France, Antonio Ruiz. Elsewhere, Jamie Cooke will take on a new combined role for Russia, CEEMCA, MEA & PayTV, and will continue to provide maternity leave cover for Victoria Davies. Leah Hooper moves into the role of SVP D2C growth & strategy international, while Espen Skoland becomes SVP communications for EMEA.
CEO of TVN, Piotr Korycki has announced his departure from Discovery, and will not be replaced. Kasia Kieli, president and MD of EMEA, will preside over the Polish television network.
