Discovery Networks names Keaveny replacement

Discovery Networks International has named Eurosport exec Arjan Hoekstra as its new Asia-Pacific chief as former boss Tom Keaveny moves to London for a new global role.

Hoekstra (above) will be become president and managing director, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific on September 1. He’ll based in Singapore at DNI’s local hub and report into Mark Hollinger, president and CEO, DNI.

He joins from Eurosport, of which Discovery owns 20%, where he was managing director, Asia-Pacific, and based in Hong Kong. The role also covered Eurosportnews Distribution Asia-Pacific.

The news comes after TBI revealed Discovery’s former Asia-Pacific boss Tom Keaveny was moving to DNI’s London base to become president of affiliate sales. The newly created role encompassed some of the duties formerly performed by senior VP and general manager, distribution for EMEA, Caleb Weinsten. As reported in April, TBI understands Weinstein has exited the Discovery’s global arm.

Hoekstra, meanwhile, has been with Eurosport since 1994, working across a variety of roles.

“We are excited to have Arjan join our executive team,” said Hollinger. “His strong management skills, his affiliate and sales experience and his deep relationships in the region will serve us very well as we look to expand our already successful business there further. Throughout his career at Eurosport, he was always looking for ways to innovate and develop new service offerings to his clients, and I look forward to his bringing this kind of ingenuity to Discovery’s portfolio in the marketplace.”

DNI has also handed Rahul Johri an expanded role as senior VP and general manager, South Asia and head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales and Southeast Asia. Johri is credited with recently launching Discovery Kids in India.

“Rahul has built a very successful Indian business for us during his time with Discovery,” said Hollinger.