Discovery Names Chief Technology Officer for Direct-to-Consumer

Discovery, Inc. has appointed Avi Saxena, former VP of technology for Amazon Marketplace, as chief technology officer for direct-to-consumer.

In this newly created role, Saxena will oversee the technology systems and global platforms that will serve all of Discovery’s direct-to-consumer products in the U.S., including MotorTrend, and internationally, including Eurosport Player and the new GolfTV service outside the U.S. Saxena also will lead Discovery’s new Seattle office, which will serve as a hub for the organization’s growing direct-to-consumer team.

Peter Faricy, Discovery’s CEO of global direct-to-consumer and to whom Saxena reports, said: “Having worked closely with Avi at Amazon, I know his track record for creating best-in-business technology systems. As Discovery dives deeper into the direct-to-consumer space to deliver our superfan viewers more of the content they want, it makes perfect sense to create this new, DTC technology hub in Seattle. Discovery is embarking on so many exciting initiatives—from food and home to cars, golf and live sports. We look forward to opening these opportunities to the incredible pool of talent in Seattle as we add to Discovery’s existing global tech team.”

“Discovery is one of the most dynamic companies in media right now, doubling its commitment to the direct-to-consumer space by building out this new, entrepreneurial team here in Seattle to augment the current global organization,” said Saxena. “I am thrilled to help move the company forward, expand the platforms for fans to enjoy these much-loved brands, and create exciting new products that consumers cannot live without.”