Discovery Communications strengthens global sports

Jean-Thierry Augustin appointed President, Sports Strategy & Development at Discovery Networks International; Peter Hutton to join Eurosport as CEO

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Delhi | January 15, 2015

Discovery Communications has announced two new executive appointments that will further strengthen the company's global sports expertise and strategy. Jean-Thierry Augustin has been named President, Sports Strategy & Development, in a newly created position at Discovery Networks International, and Peter Hutton has been appointed Chief Executive Officer 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. He will work closely with Discovery's international leadership team and Peter Hutton to create a compelling sports business development strategy that utilizes sports as a game-changing asset and drives new growth globally.

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 take advantage of Discovery's local infrastructure and global platforms to maximize 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 March 1, 2015.

JB Perrette

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.”

Perrette continued, “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

“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 utilize sports content to drive growth, and create long-term relationships with key partners throughout Discovery's global business,” said Augustin.