Singapore- Discovery Networks Asia is promoting James Gibbons to General Manager, Discovery and Animal Planet Japan, effective July 16. Based in Tokyo and reporting directly to the board of directors for Discovery and Animal Planet Japan, Gibbons will be responsible for the strategic direction and management of Discovery’s business initiatives and development in Japan, as well as general operations of the Tokyo office. He will also ensure the growth and viability of Discovery and joint venture partner, Jupiter Programming Communications, and maximize affiliate and advertising sales revenue to meet annual operational targets. Gibbons was Senior Vice President, Programming and Creative Services for Discovery Networks Asia overseeing strategic direction, programming and on-air promotional content for regional networks including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Travel & Living, Discovery Home & Health, Discovery Science, Discovery HD and Discovery Real Time. He also managed regional commissioning, co-production and acquisition activities. Gibbons was Head of News for Malaysia’s ntv7 prior to joining Discovery.