Discovery Networks appoints new COO

MTV executive Sahar Elhabashi has been appointed chief operating officer at Discovery Networks International.

Reporting to Greg Ricca, president and chief executive, Discovery Networks International, Elhabashi will be based in London and will manage the day-to-day operations of the company’s international business. Elhabashi will be tasked with growing audience share on television and digital platforms around the world and ensuring profitability across the division.

"Sahar is a highly talented executive with extensive international experience building one of the industry’s top media brands," said Ricca. "With a proven track record in strategy and new business development, Sahar will bring fresh vision to the business and ensure the continued growth and margin expansion of Discovery’s international networks across all platforms."

Egyptian-born Elhabashi joins from MTV Networks where she was executive vice president, strategy and digital media since 2001. She joined MTV in 1992 as manager of new business development for MTV Europe, and served in a variety of senior posts within the company. Prior to joining MTV, Elhabashi worked as a consultant for the Boston Consulting Group.