Lee Bartlett heads to Discovery

Former ITV Studios managing director Lee Bartlett has joined Discovery as an executive vice president of international programme acquisitions.

Bartlett, who left ITV this month after the arrival of new ITV Studios boss Kevin Lygo, will start at Discovery on September 1.

His main responsibilities will include managing the acquisition of new programming and content for Discovery's worldwide network of channels and digital platforms, including content deals, intellectual property and licensing.

The role will involve Bartlett relocating to Los Angeles, but he will maintain an office in London. He will report directly to Discovery's chief operating officer Peter Liguori.

"Having known and worked with Lee for many years, I can attest firsthand to his expertise and skill in managing and negotiating high-level production and content acquisition deals," said Liguori.

"Lee's experience and innovative spirit will be a major asset to Discovery Communications as we continue to build our global brands with the highest quality non-fiction programming across our portfolio."