US media giant Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has named Andrew Georgiou as president and managing director for its media business in the UK and Ireland.

Georgiou’s new role will see him lead the media conglomerate’s TV networks within the region, including Discovery, TLC and the newly launched TNT Sports, as well as the streaming service Discovery+. He will also be responsible for consumer products, home entertainment and supporting the company’s local theatrical business.

He has also retained his current position as president and managing director of WBD Sports Europe, which runs both TNT Sports in the UK and Ireland, as well as Eurosport across numerous European territories. TNT Sports is a joint venture with BT Group, offering fans a strong portfolio of club soccer, including the Premier League and Uefa club competitions, as well as Premiership Rugby and MotoGP.

“It’s an honour to be asked to take on the UK and Ireland with such a proven and seasoned leadership team,” Georgiou said. “My expanded role in many ways mirrors the ambition of the company – to combine and grow our entertainment and sports offering together across our TV networks and streaming businesses.

“With TNT Sports now live on all linear platforms and Discovery+, the streaming home of TNT Sports in the UK and Ireland, and the football and rugby seasons kicking off there could not be a better time to get started.” 

“Andrew has excelled at the business, being both commercially savvy and able to get things done,” added Gerhard Zeiler, international president at WBD.  “As we enter another important period during these transformative times for our broader business, I’m looking forward to working even more closely with Andrew to shape our path and best position our company for continued and longer-term success.” 

Meanwhile, the German Football League (DFL) has made two key promotions to its executive team. Marcus Beisiegel has been named as senior vice president, audiovisual rights and media product, while Vito Esposito takes up the position of senior vice president of institutional and political relations, as well as regulation.

In other news, the National Football League’s (NFL) Las Vegas Raiders have also revamped their front office. Mike Newquist has been hired as their chief operating officer, while Kristen Banks has been appointed as senior vice president for marketing. The franchise has also promoted Heather DeSanto as senior vice president of human resources, and Piper Overstreet-White has been elevated to senior vice president of government and community relations.

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Appointments

Pedro Adrega
Interim chief executive, International Weightlifting Federation (IWF)
Previously: Communications and marketing manager, IWF

Craig Fischer
Chief financial officer, Washington Commanders
Previously: Chief financial officer, Hemisphere Media Group

Jonathan Kane
Director of partnerships, Newcastle United
Previously: Vice president, global partnership sales, Liverpool Football Club

Neil Hitchen
Chief financial officer, World Rugby
Previously: Finance director, international, City Football Group (CFG)

Mark Fine
Chief marketing officer, Professional Bull Riders
Previously: Chief executive, Las Vegas Desert Dogs

Mike Mungiello
Senior vice president, partnerships and engagement, Detroit Pistons
Previously: Chief partnership officer, Vegas Golden Knights

Walker Fletcher
Vice president, corporate partnerships, Detroit Pistons
Previously: Vice president, commercial partnerships, USA, Genius Sports

Christian Matthews
Vice president of partnership development for Americas, Williams Racing
Previously: Vice president, head of commercial strategy, Washington Commanders

Charlie Piggott
Head of new business and marketing, Havas Play UK
Previously: New business and marketing director, Cake

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Departures

Troy Grant
Chairman, International Rugby League

Andy Pazder
Chief tournaments and competitions officer, PGA Tour
Note: Tyler Dennis will assume his responsibilities.

Oliver Ciesla
Chief executive, Motorsport Network

Jason Bitsoff
President of business operations, Chip Ganassi Racing