J B Perrette to be president of Discovery Networks International

He will take over from Mark Hollinger, who has been with the network for 23 years.

J B Perrette, erstwhile chief digital officer of Discovery Networks International, will be shortly stepping into the shoes of Mark Hollinger, outgoing president of the network. Hollinger has been with the network for close to 23 years and announced his resignation in September, 2013.

Perrette joined the network in October, 2011, before which he was with NBC Universal, where he served as president, digital and affiliate distribution and content distribution strategy, leading North American distribution of television and film content across platforms.

In an official communiqué, David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery Communications, says, "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."

Hollinger was responsible for the strategic development and daily operations for a division that distributes 42 entertainment brands in 45 languages, to more than 1.6 billion cumulative subscribers in 224 countries and territories across Europe, West Asia, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. His resignation will be applicable June, 2014 onwards.

In his new role, Perrette will oversee the company's international business with current regional and functional leaders reporting to him. These include Dee Forbes, president and managing director, Discovery Networks Western Europe; Kasia Kieli, president and managing director, Discovery Networks Central and Eastern Europe, West Asia 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 COO, Discovery Networks International.

Perrette adds, "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 unrivalled footprint with powerful brands that are valued by viewers, advertisers and distribution partners around the world."

Since 2011, with Perrette at the helm, Discovery has become a leading provider of high-quality nonfiction media across all screens.

At NBC Universal, he also helped launch new digital channels Sleuth (now Cloo), Chiller and Universal HD and played a leadership role in developing the industry-leading digital venture, Hulu. Perrette's previous roles at NBC Universal included CFO of NBC Universal Cable, CFO of Bravo Media, and VP of NBC Business Development. Before joining NBC in 2000, Perrette was a member of General Electric's top leadership development programme based in London, and at CS First Boston in London and Tokyo.