Singapore – Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific has announced several executive promotions and the creation of two new lines of business – Southeast Asia and North Asia (spanning Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong) – which join the region’s existing operations in Japan, Australia/New Zealand, India and China. Country managers for Australia, China, and Taiwan are promoted to senior vice presidents and general managers, and Kevin Dickie assumes the newly-created role of general manager for Southeast Asia. This follows the recent announcement to integrate the India and Asia operations, and the appointment of Rahul Johri as senior vice president and general manager, Discovery Networks India. Tom Keaveny, executive vice president and managing director, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific told Television Asia Plus that the need to decentralize stems from Discovery’s maturity in the region. “Discovery was an early entrant and has built an extensive television business across the region through strong pan-regional leadership as well as investment in local management and advertising sales capabilities. As the industry develops and matures across the region, we need to ensure we are positioned to meet the evolving needs of audiences, affiliates and advertisers in each market.” Asked whether, by further empowering country managers, there might be less need for a pan-regional EVP and MD, Keaveny said, “The continued evolution of our business and strong local management from our country managers across the region will make it possible for me to be even more involved in guiding strategic priorities for the entire region.” Kevin Dickie has been appointed senior vice president and general manager, Southeast Asia – upped from his previous role as senior vice president, marketing and communications. Tommy Lin, vice president and country manager for Discovery’s Taiwan operations, has been promoted to senior vice president and general manager, North Asia. Sydney-based Mandy Pattinson, vice president and country manager for Discovery’s operations in Australia and New Zealand, has been promoted to senior vice president and general manager. Fang Chang, vice president and country manager for Discovery’s operations in China, has also been promoted to senior vice president, general manager and public affairs, China. James Gibbons remains as senior vice president and general manager, Discovery and Animal Planet Japan.