Discovery Communications appoints Dilek Doyran for growth in Africa

In her new role, Doyran is responsible for incubating and nurturing high-growth in emerging markets across the region, including Africa, the Mediterranean, and Turkey.

Reporting to James Gibbons, executive vice president, head of product and business development for CEEMEA, Doyran will also be exploring new business opportunities and managing relationships with agents, affiliate clients, regulatory bodies, and potential commercial partners.

“Emerging markets are very important to our growth strategy, and Africa will continue to play a key role in driving our global business success,” said Doyran. “With an already strong presence in the market, that has spanned almost two decades, including a competitive and diverse portfolio of channels, I look forward to further expanding Discovery’s footprint in a region that has so much opportunity, through more strategic partnerships and more locally relevant content that will allow us to reach more people throughout the continent across more screens than ever before.”

Doyran has more than 20 years of international media business experience, having undertaken roles including chief content officer at the Turkish satellite TV provider, Digiturk, where she managed content strategies across a variety of departments such as acquisitions and production. She joined Discovery Networks in December 2008 and during her time has helped grow Discovery’s business across markets including Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey. Doyran holds a bachelor of science degree in marketing from Dokuz Eylul University in Turkey. She is fluent in Turkish and English and has a good understanding of German and Russian.

More than a linear broadcaster, Discovery boasts a strong off-air digital presence in Africa, reaching over 500 000 fans across its dedicated social media platform and websites. In 2017, Discovery will grow this audience further with the launch of its latest channel brand in the market, DTX.

For more information, visit corporate.discovery.com. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook, Twitter or on LinkedIn.