Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific’s President & MD Departs

SINGAPORE: Arjan Hoekstra has resigned from his post as the president and managing director of Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP), with LatAm chief Henry Martinez taking over responsibilities on an interim basis.

During his tenure, Hoekstra has overseen several key initiatives, including the acquisitions of Food TV and Living Channel in New Zealand, and the launch of four 24-hour digital channels through joint-venture partner Wasu in China.

A search for a new president and managing director will begin immediately. In the interim, Martinez, the president and managing director of Discovery Networks Latin America/U.S. Hispanic, will be deployed to Singapore to oversee the DNAP business. Supported by DNAP’s regional heads, Martinez will lead overall strategies to increase audience share and business, drive content and further establish the company’s portfolio and profile in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Asia Pacific is a key growth area for Discovery and we want to increase and accelerate our investment in the region. We thank Arjan for his contributions and wish him the very best in his future endeavors,” said JB Perrette, the president of Discovery Networks International.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Discovery and I am now looking forward to new challenges ahead. I wish Discovery every success going forward,” said Hoekstra.

“Henry's 20-year tenure with Discovery and his tremendous success in building our business across Latin America will provide strong interim leadership,” added Perrette.