Discovery promotes DNI COO Honeycutt

Discovery Communications has promoted Discovery Networks International executive VP and COO John Honeycutt to chief technology officer of the overall group.

Honeycutt came close to taking the DNI president role that eventually went to JB Perrette and will now oversee Discovery’s consolidated IT, media technology, production and operations functions globally.

A key aspect of the role is developing a “long-term technology roadmap” for Discovery’s pay TV, digital terrestrial, free-to-air and online distribution platforms.

Honeycutt, who as DNI COO lead the operational side of the international channel business, will report to Discovery CFO Andy Warren. He is credited with expanding DNI through the acquisition of SBS Nordics (now SBS Discovery Media) and leading the continued investment into Eurosport International.

He has also held other roles within Discovery’s Silver Spring, Maryland headquarters and prior to the pay TV operator held a senior VP role at Fox Cable Networks.

Honeycutt’s appointment as CTO comes soon after Discovery CEO David Zaslav had his contract extended to 2019.