Discovery Communications has named industry veteran Michael Lang as executive vice president of International Corporate Development & Digital, responsible for the strategy and execution of mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures, and other equity-related transactions and third-party partnerships.
On the digital side, Lang also will work with the international management team to boost existing initiatives, including the Eurosport Player, Dplay and Discovery K!ds Play, and to help shape and execute the division’s overall digital strategy.
Lang will assume his new responsibilities in April and will report to Discovery’s chief development, distribution and legal officer Bruce Campbell and Discovery Networks International president Jean-Briac Perrette.
Lang has a long history in the media business, serving as CEO of film studio Miramax and leading business development for Fox Entertainment from 2004 to 2010, where he helped create Hulu, acquire MySpace and launch several new cable channels. He began his media career in the 1990s at The Walt Disney Company in both Corporate and operating roles.
“I am thrilled to have Mike working with Bruce and JB to accelerate the growth of our international business and extend the reach of our content across all screens around the world,” Discovery CEO David Zaslav said in a statement.
Lang currently leads Lang Media Group, an advisory and sponsor equity firm, which advises traditional and digital media clients on strategic issues, M&A, digital distribution, organizational needs, over-the-top product development, as well as raising money via venture capital and private equity. LMG helped rights management software company FilmTrack raise $30 million in capital and assisted in the sales of the Harlem Globetrotters and video game developer Foundation 9.
“As a highly regarded strategist, dealmaker and executive in both the entertainment and digital space, Mike’s vision and relationships combined with our robust portfolio, deep talent and strong momentum, will greatly benefit Discovery’s multi-platform strategy and drive immediate and impactful growth,” Campbell said in a statement.
“I've known Mike for more than a decade and he's one of the most strategic and driven business development leaders in media with a unique background helping to build some of the most successful digital businesses and brands,” Perrette said in a statement. "I couldn't be more excited about having Mike join our team."
