Discovery Strengthens Global Strategy
Discovery Communications, the global mass media and entertainment organisation, has announced two new executive appointments that will add to the company’s global sports strategy.
Jean-Thierry Augustin has been named president, sports strategy and development in a newly created position at Discovery Networks International, and Peter Hutton has been appointed CEO of Eurosport.
Augustin, who previously held the position of CEO at Eurosport, will report directly to JB Perrette, president of Discovery Networks International and continue to be based in Paris. Augustin will work closely with Discovery’s international leadership team and Peter Hutton to create a sports business development strategy that uses sport as an asset that drives new growth.
Hutton joins Eurosport from MP & Silva Group, where he held the post of co-chief executive officer. As chief executive officer of Eurosport, Hutton will oversee the negotiation of sports rights and lead Eurosport’s content strategy to bring renewed focus to programming, production, promotion and platforms.
Hutton will maximise Eurosport’s value across more than 70 countries and in 20 languages. Hutton also will report to Perrette and will be based in Paris, with a start date of 1st March, 2015.
JB Perrette said: “As we approach the one year anniversary of Discovery’s acquisition of Eurosport in May, our focus is now on unlocking the full value of our must-have sports content for the entire Discovery Communications portfolio to benefit our advertisers, affiliates, audiences and shareholders around the world.
“Jean-Thierry has been at the helm of Eurosport for a number of years during which he has proved to be a tremendous commercial leader and this new role will harness his expertise to build Discovery’s global sports strategy and expertise.
“Similarly, Peter has excelled in the sports media business. With extensive experience in Europe, Asia and Middle East, and strong relationships with broadcasters and rights holders, he is the perfect executive to strengthen Eurosport’s position as a global leader in sports. I am excited to work with both Jean-Thierry and Peter as we take our business to an exciting new level.”
In May 2014, Discovery increased its interest in Eurosport International to 51% from 20% as part of a larger strategic partnership with TF1 Group that began in December 2012. TF1 Group continues to be the majority shareholder of Eurosport France, in which Discovery holds a 20% equity stake.
Jean-Thierry Augustin commented: “It has been a privilege to lead Eurosport over the past several years. I look forward to applying my experience and working with JB and Peter to help utilise sports content to drive growth, and create long-term relationships with key partners throughout Discovery’s global business.”
Peter Hutton added: “After over 30 years in sports media, I can’t think of a better brand to lead than Eurosport.”
“I look forward to building on the great work of Jean-Thierry Augustin and his team to ensure that we further improve our line-up of world class sports relevant to our audiences throughout Europe and Asia.
“With the support of the Discovery teams around the world, we will deliver the best possible global and local events to our viewers and to our commercial partners.”
