Discovery hands senior marketing post to VP Dickie

Discovery Networks Asia has promoted Kevin Dickie to senior vice-president, marketing and communications.

The former VP will be responsible for overseeing the network's core brands Discovery Channel and Discovery Travel & Living, as well as driving the success of sub-brands, including Animal Planet, Discovery Science, Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Real Time. A significant part of Dickie's remit also includes seeking out additional brand and product opportunities. "I suppose the biggest challenge in this space is fragmentation," said Dickie. "Digitisation means many new channels and many new brands, so the challenge is to be distinct, with a strong proposition to drive viewer loyalty. "We're constantly looking for new projects which will evolve our brand, and you will see some significant investments on brand campaigns this year and next, as opposed to purely tactical work to drive viewers." Dickie's appointment follows news the network is expanding the footprint of flagship brand, Discovery Channel, to Hong Kong, through its relationship with Now Broadband TV. The channel is to be made available in addition to the current Discovery Showcase package, or as part of the Ultimate Discovery Pack for new subscribers.