A+E hires ex-Discovery Channel, TLC COO

A+E Networks has hired former Discovery & TLC Networks COO Edwards Sabin as managing director, Americas and head of commercial operations for its international unit.

Sabin left Discovery last November as part of a restructure that followed the hire of Rich Ross as president of Discovery Channel.

Sabin’s new role at channels group A+E will see him managing the Canadian and Latin American businesses and international business operations.

Furthermore, he will also play a strategic role in A+E’s global business, according to his direct report, executive VP, international Sean Cohan.

Sabin will also oversee initiatives in the US Hispanic region and secondary markets, while working on other collaborative projects across the business. He will work out of LA.

“The ever-evolving global landscape presents significant opportunities, including the impetus for media companies to boost their engagement with international audiences across all platforms,” said Sabin.

“A+E Networks has committed aggressively to that growing engagement, and it has unparalleled content and brands to power and support it.”

While at Discovery Sabin held a variety of roles, mostly recently as COO of Discovery Channel and TLC. He also oversaw strategy, network operations, talent management, research, financial and business matters for Science Channel and Velocity.

New Discovery chief Ross decided to give Discovery Channel its own business operations unit after landing the role, and split it from TLC.

Before joining the business in 2007, he was with Fox Television Studios for seven years, where he rose to senior VP, business development and operations.

“Edward has incredible acumen and knowledge of the media business, coupled with a wealth of experience,” said Cohan. “Our international division has been on a tear, with a portfolio and business that has tripled in size.

“Both wholly-owned businesses and our partnerships with leading players have grown dramatically. In his role, Edward joins a strong team and partners that are bullish on the continued growth of some of the best content and brands across all regions and platforms.”