Discovery Networks International has announced the integration of its India and Asia businesses. Effective July 1, Rahul Johri, SVP, advertising Sales, Discovery Networks India, will assume management responsibility for India as SVP and country manager. Discovery Networks India will continue to be managed directly in the market under Johri's leadership. He will report to Tom Keaveny, EVP and managing director, Discovery Networks Asia. Deepak Shourie, EVP and Managing Director, Discovery Networks India, has also been assigned a new role as advisor, corporate affairs, Discovery Networks India.
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. 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.