ProSieben, Discovery raid Google for 7TV

Discovery Communications and Germany’s ProSiebenSat.1 have appointed an exec from Google as CEO and MD at their joint direct-to-consumer streaming service 7TV.

Alexandar Vassilev

Alexandar Vassilev will be responsible for the strategic growth and development of the German service, which launched six months ago.

Vassilev joins having spent a decade at Google in the US, most recently as product manager for Google Search, responsible for enhancing the user experience and launching next-generation features. Prior to that, he worked for YouTube as well as Google’s core infrastructure and operations division.

In his new role, Vassilev reports to the board of the joint venture. He replaces Christian Dankl, previously interim CEO of 7TV and CEO of AdVoD at ProSiebenSat.1, who is now a board member of 7TV.

7TV offers access to an array of brands including channels such as ProSiebenSat.1, Kabel Eins, DMAX, Sixx and TLC. It also includes a Eurosport Zone, featuring sports highlights and clips.

Subscribers to the streaming service will also have access to Olympic Winter Games coverage through TLC.

Christof Wahl, member of the executive board for digital and chief operating officer at ProSiebenSat.1 Group, said Vassilev’s “knowledge of building strong consumer-centric digital products will help us grow 7TV and position it strongly for the future.”

Vassilev added: “By bringing together two major media brands, strong content and all the potential of this new service, my ambition is to build an unrivalled direct-to-consumer brand.”

ProSiebenSat.1 and Discovery revealed plans for 7TV last May. Late last year, the German media giant combined its Red Arrow Entertainment Group with multi-channel network Studio71 and merged its pay TV operations with its Maxdome SVoD service.

The changes came after ProSieben CEO Thomas Ebeling said he would step down in February next year following a profit warning. His replacement has yet to be named.

Michael Lang, president of DNI Digital, Eurosport Digital and CEO of MotorTrend, said: “Our ambition to build a world class platform is underscored with the hiring of Alex Vassilev and his digital pedigree in building world-class products, which will drive an aggressive consumer-first blueprint for our OTT business.

“When we launched a global search to fill the CEO role, we knew as soon as we met Alex that he had the skill-set and entrepreneurial spirit to maximise the JV’s potential. His decision to join and leave Google, also shows how much he believes in the potential.”