Discovery Networks International the promotion of Michael Lang to President, International Development, Digital and Discovery Nordics, continuing to report to Jean-Briac Perrette, President and CEO, Discovery Networks International in this capacity.

In his expanded role, Lang is responsible for leading the overall business of the Nordic region consisting of Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. These markets are some of the most developed TV markets globally and represent one of Discovery’s largest channel portfolios outside the U.S. The company is a top three broadcaster in the Nordics, with strong local brands such as TV Norge and Kanal 5, complemented by Discovery’s global brands including Discovery Channel, Eurosport, TLC and Investigation Discovery. The Nordic region also plays a significant role in Discovery’s sports broadcasting in Europe, especially as the home of the Olympic Games starting in February 2018. Lang continues to manage Discovery Networks International’s Corporate Development and Digital efforts outside the US, reporting to Bruce Campbell, Chief Development, Distribution & Legal Officer, in this capacity.

Since joining Discovery’s London office in April 2016, Lang went to work to deliver on Discovery’s goal to bring its premium content to more people across more screens than ever before. He led the formulation and negotiations for Discovery’s partnership with Major League Baseball Advanced Media to launch BAMTech Europe, which will provide world-class digital technology services to a broad set of sports, news and entertainment clients across Europe – with Eurosport Digital being the first customer.

“In a little over six months, Mike has delivered tremendous value to our business, such as our ground-breaking BAMTech Europe partnership with Major League Baseball Advanced Media,” commented David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications. “He is a visionary and strategic leader, who will build on these strengths and unlock new opportunities for our Nordic business.”

Lang also has been instrumental in developing the overall strategy for Eurosport Digital’s direct to consumer business, including the recent hiring of Ralph Rivera as its Managing Director, both of whom serve on the board of BAMTech Europe. Lang also serves on the Board of all3media and Formula E as a Discovery representative.

“I have known Mike a long time, and he has always demonstrated a unique blend of operational expertise, business development and transformative thinking,” said Perrette. “Expanding Mike’s role to lead the Nordics business will help us to further secure long-term growth with the help of the highly-experienced Nordic management team led by Harald Stromme and Christian Kemp,” he continued.

Prior to Discovery, in addition to his most recent stint running his own advisory and sponsor equity firm, Lang served as CEO at Miramax, where he generated substantial financial success via licence deals with TV and digital buyers around the world. Before Miramax, Lang led business development at Fox Entertainment where he helped create Hulu, acquire MySpace and launch several new cable channels. He began his media career at The Walt Disney Company in both Corporate and operating roles.

Categories: Articles, People