Davis, who joins the company from Viacom Media Networks, will be responsible for all linear and non-linear channel distribution within the UK, Ireland, Central and Eastern Europe, Nordics, Benelux, Iceland, Greece, Africa and the Middle East. He will focus on driving growth of the portfolio of high-quality, ground-breaking A+E Networks UK’s channels including History^™, Crime & Investigation Network^®, BIO^®, and Military History^®.

Davis will also manage A+E Networks UK's ad sales efforts, responsible for international advertising, branded content and integrated marketing opportunities. He will oversee the commercial exploitation of ancillary rights to JV content including programme distribution, DVD, VOD, Broadband, Mobile and Connected Devices.

Davis will report to A+E Networks UK managing director, Tom Davidson. His appointment is effective immediately.

Before joining A+E Networks UK, Davis was vice president for Content Distribution at Viacom Media Network where he was responsible for growing distribution of the company’s portfolio of 24 cable networks. He has also worked at Discovery Communications managing brands such as TLC and Animal Planet as well as having previously worked for the National Cable and Television Association (NCTA).

Commenting on the appointment, Davidson said: “We are delighted that Bakori Davis is joining the company in this new role. There is great opportunity for growth and with over 15 years with global entertainment companies, he has the experience and expertise to drive growth across all our channels in the UK and internationally.”

Davis added: “It’s an exciting time to be joining A+E Networks UK. The business is expanding, having recently concluded a deal to extend the distribution of its channels in Central and Eastern Europe. I am looking forward to driving further growth and exploring new business opportunities in new markets.”

A+E Networks UK operates channels in 27 countries across the UK, Europe, Africa and the Middle East and is available in more than 67 million homes and in 15 languages.