New President and MD for Discovery Asia

SINGAPORE: Former Eurosport executive Arjan Hoekstra has been tapped as the new president and managing director of Discovery Networks Asia Pacific, succeeding Tom Keaveny, who has taken up a new role with Discovery Networks International (DNI) out of the London office.

Hoekstra’s appointment is effective September 1, reporting to Mark Hollinger, the president and CEO of DNI. He is tasked with developing the overall strategies for Discovery’s Asia Pacific business, including bolstering advertising and affiliate revenues and strengthening its core brands. He will be based in Singapore. Hoekstra was most recently managing director of Eurosport Asia-Pacific. He has been with the European sports broadcaster in a variety of roles since 1994, working out of offices in Paris, Stockholm, London and Hong Kong.

“We are excited to have Arjan join our executive team,” said Hollinger. “His strong management skills, his affiliate and sales experience and his deep relationships in the region will serve us very well as we look to expand our already successful business there further. Throughout his career at Eurosport, he was always looking for ways to innovate and develop new service offerings to his clients, and I look forward to his bringing this kind of ingenuity to Discovery’s portfolio in the marketplace.”

Hollinger also announced expanded responsibilities for Rahul Johri, who will now serve as senior VP and general manager for South Asia as well as head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales and Southeast Asia.

Discovery’s long-time Asian head Tom Keaveny has become president of international affiliate sales. Based in London, he reports to Hollinger.