MUMBAI: Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) has promoted Rahul Johri to the role of executive vice president and general manager, South Asia and head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales and Southeast Asia.

Johri continues to spearhead the operations and overall growth strategy of DNAP’s portfolio in the South Asian region, as well as leading and managing the advertising sales and solutions deals for the Asia-Pacific pan-regional business with a focus on expanding distribution and growing local ad sales for Southeast Asia.

“During his time at Discovery, Rahul has built a very successful Indian business for us, and recently expanded his role to include revenue leadership for the Southeast Asia business and pan-regional sales efforts. This promotion recognises his continuing leadership and contributions to Discovery,” said DNAP president and managing director Arjan Hoekstra.

Johri joined Discovery in June 2001 in the ad sales division, based in New Delhi. Since then, he has been promoted through the organisation to his previous role of senior VP and GM of South Asia and head of revenue, pan regional ad sales and Southeast Asia, where he spearheaded the operations and overall growth strategy of DNAP’s portfolio in those markets. 

He was also responsible for revenue generation, portfolio expansion, affiliate partnerships, viewership, content creation and talent management. He pioneered Discovery’s localisation drive in India and launched multiple language feeds across different brands.  Most recently, Johri oversaw the launch of Discovery Kids in India.

Johri is a Board Director and VP of Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF).  In January 2013, he was honoured as ‘CEO of the Year’ at the Broadcasting Industry Awards, for his outstanding contribution to the Indian television industry.

Johri holds an MBA in marketing as well as a degree in chemistry, and is an alumnus of Sherwood College, Nainital.