Silver Spring, Md. – Discovery Communications today announced that chief operating officer and long-time Discovery executive Mark Hollinger has been named president and CEO of Discovery Networks International. Greg Ricca, current president and CEO of Discovery Networks International, will leave the company following a period of transition. “Mark has been my most trusted partner at Discovery. He has been critical to building Discovery into the number one nonfiction media company and creating the best global footprint in all of media,” said David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery Communications, to whom Hollinger reports. “Over the past several years, the company has successfully built upon the Discovery Channel’s strength as the leading television brand in the world to launch new networks, extend our HD leadership to 45 markets, and grow audience share worldwide. I am very grateful to David for giving me this opportunity, and energized to join the talented international Discovery team. I have great confidence that Discovery’s extensive global operations can continue creating strong, vibrant brands and maximize our platform position for the next phase growth,” said Hollinger. Hollinger will continue his responsibilities as chief operating officer for Discovery Communications until a successor is named. Hollinger joined Discovery Communications in 1991 as vice president and deputy general counsel. In 1994, he was named acting general manager for Discovery Channel Asia. Based in Hong Kong, Hollinger was responsible for overseeing and coordinating all activities related to the launch and operation of Discovery Channel Asia.