Discovery hires Stuart Pearson to run programming across CEE

Discovery has poached Stuart Pearson from UK IPTV service BT Vision to run its programming across the Central and Eastern Europe and Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region.

He will report to Paul Welling, who has been upped to senior VP and head of channels, Discovery Networks CEEMA and who’s role was originaly created in January.

Another executive change sees Nesta Owens become director of acquisitions, reporting to Pearson.

In his director of programming role Pearson will oversee all programming across Discovery’s four channel teams in the CEEMA region. The position is newly-created.

Welling said “Stuart will be instrumental in devising a programming strategy for the region that encapsulates brand values, such as the search for high quality and a-list shows. He has a great wealth of experience in developing content and spearheading strategy for both factual and entertainment and we’re thrilled to have him on the team.”