Discovery picks Olympics squad

Discovery Communications has unveiled the revamped senior management team at Eurosport as it prepares to air the Olympics Games from 2018-24.

JB Perrette

The US factual giant acquired pan-European rights to the event in June for €1.3bn (US$1.45bn) and has created a five-pronged division, with Jean-Thierry Augustin named president of sports development and Olympic commercialisation.

Augustin played a key role in securing the Games and will drive all Olympic sales and commercial opportunities, adding it to his current remit. He will report to Discovery Networks International president JB Perrette and work with Eurosport CEO Peter Hutton and Discovery’s management teams across Europe.

Meanwhile, David Schafer becomes senior VP of Olympic operations and planning, leading the relationship with Olympic Broadcasting Services and overseeing operations for all linear and digital platforms across Europe.

Schafer previously worked on the Olympics at NBC and led Discovery Networks International’s digital media business, where he was responsible for OTT, network websites and content syndication.

Geraldine Filiol will lead the relations and coordination team, while execs to oversee engineering/technology and production are yet to be appointed.

Peter Hutton

Eurosport has also appointed Sameer Pabari to the newly created role of VP of business development, responsible for international business and commercial digital development.

He was previously MD for MP & Silva, responsible for its global digital and production business and commercial exploitation of digital rights. Marketing will be led by Antonio Ruiz while Fiona MacLachlan leads communications.

“Discovery is committed to elevating the excitement and engagement in the Olympic Games through our world-class storytelling, local market expertise, and Eurosport’s heritage of connecting fans with key Olympic sports all year long,” said Perrette.

Peter Hutton added: “These talented leaders will support our ambition for Eurosport to be the preferred destination for sports fans. As we continue to invest in the programming, promotion and production values for Eurosport across all platforms, this team will deliver on our new brand promise to ‘Fuel Your Passion’ and immerse fans in the greatest sports moments.”