Ravn exits in Discovery restructure

Discovery Communication’s Nordic president, Henrik Ravn, is exiting as part of a restructure in Europe.

Ravn held the titles of president and CEO of Discovery Nordic and Scandinavian channels business SBS Discovery Media, but will be replaced by long-time Discovery exec Dee Forbes at the end of the year as part of the rejig.

He had overseen Discovery’s business in the Nordics since the cable giant acquired SBS Broadcasting from ProSiebenSat.1 in 2012 for US$1.7 billion.

“I am grateful to Henrik for shepherding recent successes with the invaluable support of his talented management team and wish him every success in his future endeavors,” said Discovery Networks International president JB Perrette.

Forbes will assume his responsibilities after taking the mantle of president and managing director of Discovery Networks Northern Europe.

She was previously president and MD of Discovery Networks Western Europe. She will now oversee the Nordics, as well as operations in the UK and Ireland, Nordics and Benelux.

The rejig also sees Kasia Kieli handed extra responsibility and Marinella Soldi appointed boss of Discovery’s operations in southern Europe.

Kieli adds Germany, Austria and Switzerland to her existing responsibilities, which span central and eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Soldi has added France to her existing responsibilities, which cover Discovery’s channels in Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Perrette said: “Dee Forbes, Kasia Kieli and Marinella Soldi are exceptional leaders with demonstrated track records of building value for our company and these changes will enable them to better capitalize on the benefits of having a mix of free-to-air and pay-TV businesses across Europe.”