MUMBAI: Discovery South Asia senior VP, GM Rahul Johri has been awarded the 'Media Professional of the Year' award at the Global Awards for Brand Excellence 2012.

This accolade is a reflection of Discovery's performance and growth in South Asia region under Rahul Johri's leadership and his contribution in building a robust and varied portfolio of eight unique channels, led by the leading non-fiction network Discovery Channel.

Having joined the broadcaster in 2001, he currently leads its South Asia operations. He is responsible for the overall growth strategy of India's highest quality factual and lifestyle portfolio including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery HD World, Discovery Tamil and Discovery Kids. He has also been the driving force behind networks' pioneering localisation strategy and the launch of multiple language feeds across brands and expanding their nationwide penetration. His recent initiative, the launch of the game changing channel in the kids genre Discovery Kids, has received industry wide applaud, according to the World Brand Congress.

He is also credited with commissioning a range of acclaimed series including - 'Living with a Superstar: Shah Rukh Khan', 'What Not to Wear: India', 'Oh My Gold!' and 'Be Blunt with Adhuna Akhtar'. He also spearheaded Discovery's association with Yash Raj Films for the latest release 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' and with the Indian Army for its women officers' expedition to Mount Everest in 2012.

Johri said, "I am grateful to the jury of the World Brand Congress for honouring me with this prestigious distinction. This award is a recognition of the excellence of my team who have contributed significantly in my journey to build Discovery as one of the most respected networks in South Asia."

World Brand Congress project director Dr. R.L.Bhatia said, "World Brand Congress is pleased to confer to Rahul Johri 'Media Professional of the Year' award for his outstanding contribution to the industry. Rahul's strategic thinking to translate the vision into action has contributed to the jury decision. Rahul has the positive spirit and tenacity to make change in a hyperactive business environment"

Johri is a board member and Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) treasurer. He is also a member of the media and entertainment committee of CII and member of the Media & Entertainment Division of Ficci.