Discovery Networks Western Europe has promoted Yitz Shmulewitz to the new role of COO and CFO Discovery Networks Western Europe.
In addition, Nicolas Bonard has been appointed to the new position of general manager France and Discovery Enterprises International with immediate effect. Both Shmulewitz and Bonard will report into Dee Forbes, president and MD, Discovery Networks Western Europe.
Shmulewitz was formerly CFO for Discovery Networks Western Europe. In his new COO role he will work closely with the MD on continued business development and growth opportunities for the Western Europe business.
Responsibility as head of Discovery France has been added to Bonard’s existing duties leading Discovery Enterprises, where he oversees all international programme and private network sales, co-financing, licensing and merchandising activities, reporting into John Honeycutt, COO, Discovery Networks International.
Alexander Nielsen, research director for the Nordic region has also been promoted to the new role of country manager Norway and research director Nordic. He will report into Jan Andreassen, general manager, Discovery Networks Nordic.
Dee Forbes, president and managing director, Discovery Networks Western Europe, said: “These promotions reflect the ambitious growth plans that the Western Europe business is embarking on. Over the last two years Discovery’s Western Europe business has seen considerable growth with the launch of three free to air channels in Italy and Spain and the roll-out of DNI’s flagship female lifestyle brand TLC in a number of markets including Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Discovery also boosted its French business earlier this year when it took a 20% stake in Televista, a pay-TV female lifestyle company.
“Yitz, Nick and Alex are very talented individuals and I am delighted that we have been able to recognise their ability and success with these much deserved promotions. “
