Discovery Communications has promoted John Honeycutt to the role of Chief Technology Officer for the company.
An 11-year Discovery veteran, Honeycutt most recently served as EVP and COO for Discovery Networks International, based in London.
In the newly created position, Honeycutt will lead Discovery’s consolidated IT, media technology, production and operations functions globally. He will be charged with developing a long-term technology roadmap to enable Discovery’s growing pay-TV, digital terrestrial, free-to-air and online services.
“Discovery’s rapid, organic growth around the world, along with recent large-scale strategic acquisitions, has increased the breadth, depth and reach of Discovery’s technological footprint, therefore requiring a strong and steady hand at the wheel of our increasingly complex technology operation,” said Andy Warren, CFO for Discovery Communications, to whom Honeycutt will report.
“John’s achievements leading media technology, production and operations for the company previously, coupled with his recent global leadership experience and keen strategic insight, will ensure Discovery is at the forefront of technological innovation and adoption for years to come.”
Most recently, as EVP and COO for Discovery Networks International, Honeycutt led the operational structure of Discovery’s growing international business operations across more than 220 countries and territories. In this role, he served as the key point person for corporate support services for the division, working closely with the company’s international programming, advertising and affiliate sales teams to help develop business strategy, share critical information and develop best practices.
Among many notable accomplishments, in 2013, he led the expansion of Discovery’s international operations through the acquisition of SBS Nordics, now SBS Discovery Media, and the largest transaction in Discovery’s history. He also played an integral role in the company’s original investment, and recently expanded controlling interes, in Eurosport International.
