Dee Forbes to Lead Discovery’s U.K., Ireland Business

LONDON: Dee Forbes has been named managing director and executive VP of Discovery Networks UK, taking up the new role in January 2010.

Forbes will be responsible for Discovery’s U.K. and Ireland business, which is the single largest market for Discovery outside the U.S. She joins from Turner Broadcasting Europe, where she is the senior VP and general manager for Turner Broadcasting System for the U.K. and Ireland.

In her new role, she will report to Greg Ricca, the CEO and president of Discovery Networks International, and manage all commercial and channel activities in connection with Discovery’s U.K. business, which consists of 12 pay-TV brands reaching more than 2.5 million people per day in the U.K. Forbes will also be responsible for managing the Freeview channel, which the U.K. business will launch later this year.

"Dee is a highly talented executive with extensive experience and a proven track record of success," said Ricca. "She has terrific business acumen and will be an important addition to our strong leadership team within Discovery Networks International. The U.K. is a key market for Discovery, and Dee will drive our business and help us grow market share and revenue in this region."