JB Perrette named president, Discovery Networks International

Discovery Communications has announced that JB Perrette will become the next president of Discovery Networks International.

Perrette, who was chief digital officer until the development, takes over from Mark Hollinger, who announced his resignation in September 2013.

Perrette will oversee the company’s international business with current regional and functional leaders reporting to him, informed an official statement. They are: Dee Forbes, president and managing director, Discovery Networks Western Europe; Kasia Kieli, president and managing director, Discovery Networks Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa; Henrik Ravn, president and CEO, SBS Discovery Media Nordics; Henry Martinez, president and managing director, Discovery Networks Latin America/US Hispanic; Arjan Hoekstra, president and managing director, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific; Doug Baker, EVP and chief financial officer, Discovery Networks International; Luis Silberwasser, EVP and chief content officer, Discovery Networks International; Tom Keaveny, president, international affiliate sales; and John Honeycutt, EVP and chief operating officer, Discovery Networks International.

David Zaslav, president and CEO, Discovery Communications, said, “JB is one of the smartest and most versatile executives I have worked with in the media business. Since his time at NBC as a leader in business development, distribution and digital to all the success and value he has built at Discovery, JB has it all - strong strategic vision, operational expertise and exceptional team-building skills. This is a demanding role like no other, which I believe requires a corporate executive with a broad background to oversee all aspects of the business across 220 countries. Having spent half his career internationally, and with a unique mix of distribution, digital, strategy and business development experience, JB is the perfect fit to lead Discovery's international operations.”

Perrette said, “Discovery’s regional leaders are simply the best global operating team in all of media. Through strong organic growth as well as selective strategic acquisitions and partnerships, Mark and the team have built Discovery Networks International's unrivaled footprint with powerful brands that are valued by viewers, advertisers and distribution partners around the world. I look forward to working closely with the world-class DNI team and fantastic collaborators as we capitalize on that momentum and chart the next phase of growth for Discovery.”

In 2013, Discovery completed the acquisition and integration of SBS Nordics; acquired a 20 percent stake in Eurosport; launched TLC in the UK; and grew international ratings by 25 per cent, the statement added.

Perrette had joined Discovery in 2011 from NBC Universal. He has also worked with General Electric and CS First Boston in past assignments.