Discovery Networks International Gets New COO

SILVER SPRING: Doug Baker has been appointed as the chief operating officer and chief financial officer for Discovery Networks International (DNI).

He is moving up from the role of executive VP and chief financial officer. Baker will transition into the new post over the next few weeks. He reports to JB Perrette, the president of DNI, and Andrew Warren, Discovery Communications' CFO. Baker will now be responsible for oversight of DNI strategy and research, in addition to leading all financial aspects of DNI Finance and Global Brand Solutions. He will continue to lead the division's regional COO/CFOs in Western Europe, the Nordics (SBS-Discovery), CEEMEA, Latin America and Asia Pacific, and serve as a key strategic partner to international senior management across the business.

“Doug has been a key architect in the evolution of the international business over the past few years, which is emblematic of his collaborative spirit and controlled risk taking,” said Warren. “We are confident that Doug’s new role will push the business to new levels of financial and operational discipline that will continue to drive the unparalleled success of our global businesses.”
 
"Doug is a proven leader with more than 20 years of financial and operational management experience,” said Perrette. “Doug’s strong financial acumen coupled with his strategic insights have contributed to Discovery’s leadership as the number one pay-TV programmer in the world. I am thrilled to work with Doug in his expanded role to position the division for continued growth and profitability.”