Rahul Johri resigns as Executive VP & GM of Discovery South Asia

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific today announced that Rahul Johri, Executive Vice President & General Manager - South Asia, has resigned, effective February 24, 2016. Rahul will continue to work with Discovery until the end of the year as a Senior Advisor to Arthur Bastings, President and Managing Director, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific.

Rahul performed various leadership roles during his successful 15-year tenure at Discovery. In the last eight years, Rahul led the South Asia operations and created an unrivalled footprint for Discovery and one of the top performing markets for Discovery Networks International. Some of his achievements include tripling the channel portfolio to 11 distinct and high quality brands, strengthening Discovery’s factual entertainment programming while developing new genres like lifestyle and kids content, launching a new Hindi entertainment channel and creating a premium viewing experience through its three high-definition channels.

Arthur Bastings, President & Managing Director, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, "We are fortunate and grateful to have had a leader of Rahul's calibre and vision. At the helm, he created an unmatched portfolio that is immensely valued by viewers and trade partners. As we pick up where Rahul left off, India remains one of our most important growth markets. Coupled with its digital transformation and a massive population of millennials hungry for content, we are excited about the opportunities ahead and have aggressive plans to sharpen and enhance Discovery’s product palette to whet the ever-increasing appetite of this demographic.”

Rahul Johri, Executive Vice President & General Manager - South Asia, said, “I have had the good fortune to work in one of the finest media companies in the world. After 15 years with Discovery, I believe it is time for me to explore new opportunities. I am confident that the current management team under Arthur’s strong leadership will continue to fuel Discovery’s growth in the region.”

Discovery has commenced the search for Rahul’s replacement. In the interim period, Bastings will additionally manage the South Asia business and day-to-day affairs from India.