Discovery hires AMC Networks digital chief to head up Eurosport D2C unit

Discovery has named AMC Networks executive Paul Rehrig as general manager of Eurosport Digital, the sports broadcaster’s direct-to-consumer business unit.

Paul Rehrig

Rehrig served for nearly eight years as EVP of digital and business development at AMC Networks, where he was responsible for growing revenue from the group’s global digital partnerships and building the company’s direct-to-consumer subscription businesses.

During his time at AMC Networks, he built the company’s direct-to-consumer team and followed up by launching and running two subscription-video-on-demand businesses: Sundance Now and Shudder.

In his new role at Discovery, he will oversee the development of Eurosport’s digital direct-to-consumer products, including the Eurosport App, Eurosport Player and Eurosport.com.

Rehrig will report to Peter Faricy, Discovery’s CEO, global direct-to-consumer, and will be based in London where he will work closely with Andrew Georgiou, who joins Discovery later this year as president, Eurosport and global sports rights and sports marketing solutions, as well as the Eurosport and Discovery EMEA leadership teams.

“We are thrilled to welcome such a distinguished leader with a proven record of launching and running successful direct-to-consumer businesses and products globally. Paul is the perfect fit to lead our outstanding Eurosport Digital team as we focus on building products that sports fans love. As we look to the exciting opportunities ahead, Paul will ensure Eurosport delivers the immersive multi-screen products and experiences that are essential for powering people’s passions and engaging targeted global communities around sport,” said Faricy.

“I have been hugely impressed by how Eurosport has become a digital pioneer and leader in sports under Discovery’s leadership. Serving sports fans with programming and content across Europe is a significant responsibility and I’m thrilled to lead such a world-class team. There is a massive opportunity to enhance and expand Eurosport’s digital product experiences and innovate in myriad ways that more deeply engage fans and build audiences and subscribers across the region,” said Rehrig

Rehrig’s appointment comes as Eurosport gears up for coverage of next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo across Europe, as well as other premium live sport throughout the year.