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ProSiebenSat.1 and Discovery hire Google exec to lead 7TV
ProSiebenSat.1 and Discovery Communications have named Google executive Alexandar Vassilev as CEO of their recently launched German streaming service 7TV.
Vassilev starts with immediate effect and joins from Google in the US where he has worked for the past ten years, most recently as product manager for Google Search.
Vassilev will report to the 7TV board and takes over from interim CEO and chief executive of AVOD at ProSiebenSat.1, Christian Dankl, who now joins the joint venture’s board.
“This is a great appointment for 7TV,” said Christof Wahl (pictured), member of the executive board, digital, and COO ProSiebenSat.1 Group. “Alexandar Vassilev has spent his whole career working at the heart of the digital revolution. His knowledge of building strong consumer centric digital products will help us grow 7TV and position it strongly for the future.”
ProSiebenSat.1 and Discovery Communications launched 7TV as a direct-to consumer, ad-supported entertainment streaming service in October.
Content brands like ProSieben, Sat.1, Kabel Eins, DMAX, Sixx, ProSieben MAXX, Sat.1 Gold, Kabel Eins Doku and TLC are all represented on the service. 7TV also includes a Eurosport Zone featuring sports highlights and clips.
“Our ambition to build a world class platform is underscored with the hiring of Alexandar Vassilev and his digital pedigree in building world-class products, which will drive an aggressive consumer-first blueprint for our OTT business,” said Michael Lang, president, international development, digital and Discovery Nordics for Discovery Networks International.
Vassilev said: “I’m excited to lead the growth and evolution of our mobile and OTT video streaming service in Germany. By bringing together two major media brands, strong content and all the potential of this new service, my ambition is to build an unrivalled direct-to-consumer brand.”
Prior to his position at Google Search, Vassilev held product management roles with YouTube, DoubleClick and Google Core Infrastructure and Operations.