Discovery Grows Sales & Licensing Team

SILVER SPRING: New appointments and promotions have been made within the Discovery Enterprises International program sales and licensing group, which is responsible for driving sales opportunities with international third-party broadcasters and licensees.

Holly Roessler was named to the newly created position of director of sales support and marketing. Roessler is tasked with managing ongoing sales support and marketing activities for international program sales and home video licensing efforts. She reports to Caleb Weinstein, the senior VP of Discovery Enterprises International. Roessler will also lead marketing efforts and coordinate sales activities around major markets, including MIPTV, MIPCOM, Licensing and WAEA. She is a ten-year Discovery veteran, and most recently served as director of program support.

Elliot Wagner has been upped to director of private networks and North American program sales. Reporting to Weinstein, Wagner oversees global private networks deals, including airlines and hotels as well as program sales activity for the U.S. and Canada. He is further charged with expanding marketing partnerships and identifying new business opportunities. Wagner joined Discovery in 2000. His previous roles include sales planner and sales operations manager for Discovery Networks International.

As the director of licensing for the U.K. and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Fiona Wallace will direct the sales and distribution of consumer product lines across Discovery’s brands and properties. She will develop and manage home video, publishing, interactive, licensing and licensed promotions partnerships, driving ongoing sales efforts within designated territories. Based in London, Wallace reports to Jo Edwards, the VP of licensing for Discovery Enterprises International. Wallace joined Discovery in September 2008, after having previously worked for Perry Ellis International, The Coca-Cola Company and The Beanstalk Group.

Diana Carrizosa has been appointed director of licensing for Latin America. Carrizosa will oversee Discovery’s licensing business across the Latin American region, growing the existing merchandise and home video lines, and developing new initiatives with partners, retailers and consumers. She too reports to Edwards, but is based in Miami. Carrizosa joined Discovery in 2007 as licensing manager.

Richard Henson takes on the role of director of program sales for Asia Pacific. Based in Sydney and reporting to Weinstein, Henson is responsible for spearheading Discovery’s program sales business in the region and evaluating opportunities in each market with current and potential clients. Henson joined Discovery in November 2008, and was previously the commercial director for Nickelodeon Australia.

"We launched Discovery Enterprises International at MIPTV one year ago, and I am looking forward to returning to the market with a full team in place," said Weinstein. "With proven track records and extensive experience in the international media industry, this expanded team will ensure we are able to super-serve third-party clients and maximize sales and franchise opportunities across all regions by streamlining access to Discovery’s quality programming and brands."