MUMBAI: Discovery Networks International (DNI) has appointed Arthur Bastings as Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) president and managing director, effective 1 September, 2015. He will report to DNI president Jean-Briac Perrette.

As part of the new role, Bastings will be responsible for setting the regional strategy and maximising the potential of DNAP’s business and workforce to accelerate the company’s expansion. He will be based out of the Singapore office. Bastings’ remit will include fortifying DNAP’s sports offering and leading strategies in the region, in partnership with Eurosport CEO Peter Hutton.

“The Asia Pacific region encompasses two thirds of the world’s population and thus represents one of the biggest growth opportunities for our company. Arthur has a remarkable combination of experience in Asia, strong strategic thinking, and a proven track record of growth and building strong teams.  His deep knowledge of Discovery and familiarity with the Asia market will give him a great head start in accelerating DNAP's expansion,” said Perrette.

Bastings joins DNAP from Millicom, an international telecommunications and media company, where he was a member of the executive committee responsible for Africa and Financial Services, focusing on mobile and information and communications technology convergence.  He brings over 20 years’ experience working in the TV and media business, including several years leading strategy and business development for Viacom across Asia. Bastings also previously spent six years as executive vice president and managing director for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for Discovery. Under his leadership, Discovery's EMEA business transformed by doubling audiences and generating exceptional organic growth that resulted in one of the fastest growing and largest pay TV businesses in the region.