Discovery Taps Rebecca Kent to Lead Oz, NZ

Discovery Communications has appointed Rebecca Kent as general manager for Australia and New Zealand.

Kent will focus on growing the existing business, which consists of eight channels in Australia and six channels in New Zealand. Kent has been the acting general manager for Australia and New Zealand for the last nine months and previously held the role of VP of business transformation and people, based in Discovery’s Singapore office.

She reports to James Gibbons, executive VP and general manager for the U.K., Australia and New Zealand and head of commercial development EMEA.

Gibbons commented: “I am delighted that Rebecca has agreed to run our Australia and New Zealand business. She has a diverse background, has worked across many different initiatives and markets and has a really strong understanding of the media environment in these important territories, which will be instrumental as we work on developing the existing business.”

Kent said: “I’ve really enjoyed managing the Australian and New Zealand markets over these past months and am delighted to take on the role permanently. I’m excited by the local business, the new alignment with the U.K. and the opportunity to work with James on strengthening key partnerships and driving the ANZ business forward.”