Rahul Johri to head revenue, pan regional ad sales, SEA at DNI

Johri will continue to be SVP and GM, South Asia of Discovery Networks Intl.

Discovery Networks International (DNI) has expanded the role of Rahul Johri, senior vice-president and general manager, South Asia. Johri will now also have additional responsibility as head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales and Southeast Asia.

The broadcast company has also named Arjan Hoekstra as the new head of the Asia Pacific region, effective September 1. Based in Singapore, Hoekstra, as president and managing director, will report to Mark Hollinger, president and CEO, DNI.

Hoekstra will be responsible for developing the overall strategies for the Discovery Networks Asia Pacific (DNAP) business to drive revenue across ad and affiliate sales, build the portfolio's core brands and look for partnerships to drive the content and profile of DNAP within the region.

His move to DNAP is another step that aims to strengthen the relationship between Discovery and Eurosport as the two companies develop wider synergies in the Asia Pacific region.

"We are excited to have Arjan join our executive team," says Hollinger. "His strong management skills, his affiliate and sales experience and his deep relationships in the region will serve us very well as we look to expand our already successful business there further."

Hoekstra's last stint was with Eurosport as managing director of Eurosport Asia Pacific and Eurosportnews Distribution APAC, based in Hong Kong, since 2005.

Talking about Johri's appointment, Hollinger adds, "Rahul has built a very successful Indian business for us during his time with Discovery. I am delighted that he will bring his expertise to the Southeast Asia business and pan-regional sales efforts as he takes on this expanded role."

In his new role, Johri will now manage the advertising sales and solutions deals for the pan-regional business as well as focus on distribution and growing local ad sales for Southeast Asia.

Johri joined DNAP in June 2001 in the ad sales division. Since then, he has been promoted through the organisation to his role of SVP and GM, South Asia, where he spearheaded the operations and overall growth strategy of DNAP's portfolio in those countries.

Johri is also a board member and treasurer of the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF).