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APAC head of Discovery Networks leaves after ‘divergence’ on plans for the region

Arjan HoekstraHoekstra, the Asia Pacific president of Discovery Networks, has left the company after a year and a half in the top job, Mumbrella Asia has revealed.

He has been replaced in the interim by Discovery’s president for Latin America Henry Martinez. Hoekstra was brought in in September 2013 after a 14-year stint at Eurosport, latterly as managing director of Eurosport Asia Pacific.

He joined with a brief to generate new growth for the non-fiction broadcaster and moves on “due to a divergence of views about the strategic plan for the region,” according to a statement from the broadcaster shared with Mumbrella.

Discovery was looking at acquiring a majority stake in Network Ten, however reports this week suggest the US network has pulled out of the joint deal with Foxtel.

“Asia Pacific is a key growth area for Discovery and we want to increase and accelerate our investment in the region. We thank Arjan for his contributions and wish him the very best in his future endeavours,” said JB Perrette, president of Discovery Networks International.

Hoekstra commented: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Discovery and I am now looking forward to new challenges ahead. I wish Discovery every success going forward.”

The search is now on for a replacement for Hoekstra.

Meanwhile, Discovery has appointed Hee-Man Lee as country manager for Korea, based in Seoul.

Lee will report to Tommy Lin, senior vice president and general manager, North Asia, Discovery Networks Asia Pacific.

He joins the broadcaster from KT Media Hub, where he headed the new business division and was responsible for the launch of the company’s play-out services.

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