• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, January 15, 2014

Jean-Briac (JB) Perrette has been named president of Discovery Networks International, replacing outgoing president Mark Hollinger, who announced his resignation in September.
 
In this role, Perrette will be responsible for overseeing Discovery’s various international networks, spanning 220 countries around the world, including regional nets in Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Scandinavia (SBS Discovery Media Nordics), Asia-Pacific, and Latin America/U.S. Hispanic. He’ll also oversee central corporate content, finance and affiliate sales for DNI.
 
Perrette joined Discovery in 2011 as chief digital officer and led a number of expansion initiatives, including the acquisitions of Revision3 and DeFranco Creative, investments in Lumosity and Learnist, the launches of digital-online networks Animalist and TestTube, and the roll-out of live online experiences, like Skywire Live and Animal Planet Live.
 
Before joining Discovery, Perette spent 11 years with NBCUniversal, eventually rising to become president, digital and affiliate distribution and content distribution strategy. He also helped launch digital channels, including Sleuth, Chiller, and Universal HD, and helped develop Hulu.

DNI has been growing at a fast clip as well: last year the international division bought SBS Nordics, launched TLC in the United Kingdom, and acquired a 20% stake in Eurosport.
 
Perette’s previous role as CDO of Discovery Networks will be filled on a temporary basis by Sean Atkins, currently the senior vice president and general manager of digital media and consumer products for Discovery Communications, while the company conducts an internal and external search for a permanent replacement .