Liguori Joins Discovery as COO

SILVER SPRING: Former FOX entertainment chief Peter Liguori is joining Discovery Communications as COO in January, replacing Mark Hollinger, who was recently named president and CEO of Discovery Networks International.

Liguori takes up his new post on January 19, 2010, reporting to David Zaslav, the president and CEO of Discovery. "Peter has been one of the most successful leaders in the media industry over the past 25 years, and has a keen eye for standout marketing and distinctive, compelling content," said Zaslav. "He brings to Discovery managerial depth and extensive relationships with the creative community that will be major assets as we continue to build our existing brands, launch new services and create additional opportunities for growth."

Liguori’s responsibilities include oversight of Discovery Studios, marketing, business affairs, corporate communications, productions and other divisions. He will also serve as the lead executive representing Discovery Communications in its joint ventures with Hasbro and OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, as well as chair Discovery’s Content Committee, which includes the general managers of the U.S. networks. 

"When you look across the media landscape, there is simply no better positioned company than Discovery Communications," Liguori said. "David Zaslav has done an exceptional job creating shareholder value and improving the brand strength and marketplace position of the company’s global networks. I am joining the team at an exciting time and look forward to being part of this dynamic and creative organization and helping to accelerate the company’s already substantial momentum."

Liguori was most recently the president of entertainment at FOX, a post he held until March of this year. He left as part of a management restructure of the network. Prior to FOX, Liguori ran the FX network.