Discovery elevates JB Perrette to international networks president

Discovery Communications is boosting its digital chief, JB Perrette, to the role of president of Discovery Networks International.

Perrette will replace Mark Hollinger, a 23-year Discovery veteran who last fall said that he would be stepping down. The cable programming giant, based in Silver Spring, Md., announced Perrette’s promotion on Wednesday.

Hollinger will work with Perrette during the transition, Discovery said.

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Perrette, 42, joined Discovery in the fall of 2011 to head its digital initiatives. Before that, he was in charge of digital distribution at NBCUniversal. He left NBCUniversal after its takeover by Comcast Corp.

Discovery has a far-flung network of channels, including in Europe, Latin America, Africa and parts of Asia.

“Having spent half his career internationally, and with a unique mix of distribution, digital, strategy and business development experience, JB is the perfect fit to lead Discovery’s international operations,” Discovery Chief Executive David Zaslav said in a statement.

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Zaslav and Perrette worked together for several years at NBCUniversal.

Discovery has seen growth in its international business, which has long been an important component of its portfolio.

Last year, the company completed the acquisition of SBS Nordics and acquired a 20% interest in Eurosport, a large pan-European sports platform. It also launched TLC network in Britain.

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