Discovery, Inc. “Discovery” announced changes to its leadership in the Asia Pacific, including the appointment of Jeeyoung Lee as Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific Content Strategy and General Manager, Japan and South Korea. Lee, based in Seoul, will join the business on 17 August and report to the company’s Chief Transformation Officer and President, Asia Pacific, Simon Robinson.

Lee will lead Content Strategy for the Asia Pacific to support the development and success of the region’s business across all platforms. Working in collaboration with Lynn Ng, Head of Content, Asia Pacific, and local creative leads, she will also be responsible for driving standout original storytelling that resonates across Discovery’s local and international portfolio. Additionally, Lee will lead the business in South Korea, including ambitions to build on the KRW50 billion (US$43 million) content investment, following the establishment of the Studio Discovery production house in partnership with Korea Telecom Group’s skyTV, and launch of Discovery Korea Networks. Lee will also oversee Discovery in Japan, working closely with local General Manager, David Macdonald. 

“Jeeyoung brings an impressive track record to Discovery, with 20+ years’ broad knowledge and experience from across the Asia Pacific industry,” said Robinson. “As we accelerate our original content production and look to expand our business in Japan and South Korea, her expertise and leadership, coupled with an in-depth understanding of both digital and traditional strategy, will be central in driving further growth across the region overall.”

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to contribute and, in particular, to work within this dynamic environment with the diverse resources from Discovery,” Lee added. “I’m looking forward to delivering inspiring, original content with the valuable assets across the entire region, while also expanding the local storytelling internationally.”

Lee will join Discovery from New Regency Productions, where she led APAC regional content sales. Prior to this, she held several regional senior executive roles at FOX Network Group, Endemol Shine Group, Viacom International and CJ Entertainment & Media. Lee received her B.A. in Sociology from Ewha Womens University and MBA in Marketing from Korea University.

With the appointment of Lee, Tony Qiu will continue in his role as Senior Vice President, General Manager, Greater China and Southeast Asia as well as leading the direct-to-consumer expansion in the APAC region, and Lynn Ng will continue in the role of Vice President, Head of Content, Asia Pacific and additionally oversee all Insights and Analytics functions for the region. Both will continue to report to Simon Robinson. David Macdonald will continue to lead the Japan business, as Vice President, General Manager, Japan and report to Lee.

In Australia and New Zealand “ANZ”, Discovery announced that Rebecca Kent will transition from her role as joint General Manager, ANZ to the newly created position of Senior Vice President, Transformation. Glen Kyne, who was appointed joint-lead for ANZ alongside Kent following the acquisition of MediaWorks TV in late 2020, will solely lead the trans-Tasman business going forward as Senior Vice President, General Manager, ANZ.

During her time leading the ANZ business, Kent has diversified the portfolio, growing revenues and reach through significant expansion, including the acquisition of New Zealand’s MediaWorks TV. In her new role, Kent will lead activities related to the proposed Warner Bros. Discovery combined company, reporting into Simon Robinson.

Kyne, who has extensive experience across the ANZ media and telco industries, has successfully co-led the integration and strategy of Discovery’s New Zealand operations since December 2020 and will oversee the ANZ business in its entirety as it leverages opportunities for growth.

“Rebecca has a strong international track record and deep experience within several key business areas across Discovery and is perfectly positioned to transition into this global role as we look to the future of our business,” said Robinson. “Similarly, with increased scale across Australia and New Zealand, Glen’s proven leadership and broad expertise will continue to be pivotal as we drive the full value of Discovery’s brands across both markets.”

Kent will continue to be based in Sydney, Australia and Kyne in Auckland, New Zealand. Both roles are effective immediately.