A+E Networks Hires Former Viacom Executive Bakori Davis For EMEA Distribution Push

From Broadcast:

A+E hires Viacom exec for distribution push

A+E Networks has appointed a former Viacom executive to head up the distribution of its channels including Bio and History across the majority of EMEA.

Bakori Davis has joined the broadcaster in the newly created vice president of commercial operations role, having worked as Viacom’s vice president of content distribution for almost four years.

Prior to this role he worked for Viacom channels MTV and Nickelodeon in a variety of positions, having started his career at Discovery in 1996.

Based in London, Davis will manage channel distribution for Bio, Crime & Investigation, History and Military History across the UK, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa and Africa regions.

As well as taking responsibility for A+E’s UK ad sales, branded content and marketing deals, he will also oversee the exploitation of content rights via programme sales, DVD releases and digital distribution.

Davis, who reports into A+E UK’s managing director Tom Davidson, said he planned to target emerging markets.

“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,” he said.