Discovery to Combine Operations in India, Asia

DELHI/SINGAPORE, May 21:
Discovery Networks International will integrate its Indian and pan-Asian
businesses, with Rahul Johri to assume responsibility for India as the senior
VP and country manager, effective July 1, reporting to Tom
Keaveny, the head of Discovery Networks Asia.

Following this transition,
Deepak Shourie, the executive VP and managing director of Discovery Networks
India, will move into a new role as advisor of corporate affairs in India for
the company.

The integration formally
recognizes the close alignment, existing synergies and long-standing
partnership between Discovery Networks India and Discovery Networks Asia.
Discovery Networks India, which launched in 1995 and distributes Discovery
Channel, Animal Planet and Travel & Living to 91 million cumulative
subscribers across seven territories in the region, will continue to be managed
directly in the market under Johri’s leadership out of the company’s Indian
headquarters in Delhi, with additional offices in Bangalore, Mumbai and
Chennai. Johri will report to Keaveny, the executive VP and managing director
of Discovery Networks Asia.

Johri is currently the
senior VP of advertising sales at Discovery Networks India. He joined Discovery
in 2001 from IMG. As head of advertising sales with additional responsibility
for the region’s research and communications functions, Johri has played an
integral role in consolidating and strengthening Discovery’s portfolio in India
over the past seven years.

“The integration of our
India and Asia operations will position Discovery more competitively in the
region by allowing us to collaborate across both businesses and more
effectively share content and resources in order to drive continued growth,”
said Greg Ricca,
the president and CEO of Discovery Networks International. “The strength of our
business in India is a tribute to Deepak’s leadership and significant contributions,
and we remain committed to strong investment in the market.”

“This new structure is
part of the continued evolution of Discovery’s operations in India,” added
Shourie. “I believe the time is right to formally recognize our close
relationship with Asia and transition to new leadership, and I look forward to
continuing to serve the company in an advisory capacity. Rahul’s proven track
record and in-depth knowledge of the business, combined with his passion for
Discovery, will help drive continued success in India.”

“I am honored to step into
this new role and look forward to working with the entire team in India to move
the business forward,” concluded Johri. “We remain committed to strengthening
our portfolio in the market in order to deepen our relationships with
audiences, affiliates and advertisers alike and ensure Discovery’s networks
remain as relevant and entertaining as possible.”

—By
Irene Lew