Discovery Networks Europe appoints Maurizio Vitale to lead EMEA on-air operations

Vitale who will report directly to Arthur Bastings, General Manager, Europe Middle East & Africa, (EMEA), Discovery Networks Europe, will be based in London and become an integral part of the senior management team in Europe.

Vitale's new position will be responsible for directing all elements of the on-air brand expression and development of Discovery's family of channels within EMEA, ranging from art direction to off-air creative materials. Vitale is also tasked to work closely with Discovery Networks Europe's advertising sales and programming functions to develop locally compelling sponsorship packages for clients.

Vitale's appointment follows the expansion of Discovery Networks Europe's footprint in Europe with the 2005 launches of Discovery Geschichte, a contemporary history channel in Germany, Animal Planet and Discovery Real Time in Italy and Discovery Real Time in France.

"Maurizio will be responsible for driving our on-air creative strategy across Discovery's growing portfolio of channels in Europe," said Arthur Bastings, General Manager, EMEA, Discovery Networks Europe. "We believe that Maurizio's proven track record in on-air brand development across Europe, combined with Discovery's reputation for innovation and quality, will ensure that our channels become even more locally relevant and visually compelling to our expanding European audience."

Prior to joining Discovery Networks Europe Vitale was Vice President Creative Director at MTV Networks Europe, responsible for overseeing the creative teams within MTV's southern Europe's networks including Spain, Portugal, France and Italy. Vitale joined MTV Networks Europe in 1995 holding several roles within graphic design and art direction before moving specifically into on-air creative roles.

Commenting on his appointment, Vitale said:

"Discovery has built a strong brand in Europe where it attracts a growing number of loyal viewers across all of its channel brands. This is a wonderful opportunity to build upon the company's reputation and lead the on-air creative team to find new ways to distinguish Discovery's channel portfolio in Europe."

Vitale has a Master of Arts in communication art and design from the Royal College of Art, London and a B.S in graphic design and advertising from Nuova Accademia of Belle Arti.