Bastings returns to Discovery

Discovery Networks International (DNI) has recruited its former MD for EMEA to lead its operations in the Asia Pacific region.

Arthur Bastings

Arthur Bastings returns to Discovery as president and MD of Discovery Networks Asia Pacific (DNAP) having previously been with the broadcaster between 2004 and 2010.

Based in Singapore and starting work in September, he re-joins having most recently been with international telecoms outfit Millicom. He has also held roles at Viacom and Turner Broadcasting.

As head of DNAP, Bastings will report to JB Perrette, president of DNI, and will be responsible for regional strategy and “accelerating” the company’s expansion, particularly its sports offering.

He will work on the latter in partnership with Peter Hutton, CEO of sportscaster Eurosport, in which Discovery took a majority interest last year, increasing its stake from 20% to 51% through a deal with France’s TF1 Group.

Bastings has worked in the TV and media business for more than 20 years, several of which were spent leading strategy and business development for Viacom across Asia.

“The Asia Pacific region encompasses two thirds of the world’s population and thus represents one of the biggest growth opportunities for our company,” said Perrette.

“Arthur’s deep knowledge of Discovery and familiarity with the Asia market will give him a great head start in accelerating DNAP’s expansion.”

Discovery operates 15 channels in the region and this year opened new local offices in Kolkata, Kuala Lumpur and Manila.

DNAP currently holds exclusive rights to soccer’s UEFA Champions League and Europa League in Singapore and recently acquired Setanta Sports Asia.