Discovery Communications has restructured its EMEA leadership team with Kasia Kieli named President and Managing Director, EMEA and James Gibbons appointed as General Manager UK/Ireland, Australia & New Zealand and Head of Commercial Development EMEA.
In the new position, Kieli will “consolidate” business units that were previously split into the UK, Nordics, Southern Europe and CEEMEA.
Jean-Briac Perrette, Ceo and President, Discovery Networks International, said: “EMEA represents our largest region in terms of revenue as well as the focus of considerable investment in the past and big ambition for the future. I have no doubt that under Kasia’s strong and effective leadership, we will see our combined EMEA organisation continue to grow to new heights and in unimaginable ways.”
Kasia Kieli, President & Managing Director Of Discovery Emea said: “I joined Discovery in 2000 because I loved the brand, believed in its values and saw the opportunities it was creating. I still share that very same excitement with millions of viewers who come to watch our programs every day to be entertained, inspired, and amazed. After 17 years, my belief in Discovery is stronger than ever. It is an exhilarating time as we can now offer our fans so many new ways to engage with the content they love through multiple partnerships, platforms and devices.”
Kieli has named James Gibbons General Manager UK/Ireland, Australia & New Zealand and Head of Commercial Development EMEA. In his new role, Gibbons manages the UK market which is a major hub for Discovery and consists of 14 brands reaching 26 million people every month. He will charged with building “on the success of the existing UK team and identify new growth opportunities for this key market.” Gibbons also becomes responsible for “developing existing and new commercial relationships and business development opportunities across EMEA.”
He has been with Discovery for more than 18 years, working in management roles and territories across the globe. Most recently he served as General Manager for Emerging Business and Head of Product & Business Development for the CEEMEA region. He led partnerships in territories such as Turkey, Africa, the Middle East and Germany, expanding Discovery’s presence in these territories. He also led the growth and consolidation of its Japanese business in his role as President of Discovery Japan.
Gibbons succeeds Susanna Dinnage, who was promoted to the newly created position of Global President, Animal Planet, earlier this month.
Staff Reporter
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