Discovery names Amazon vet as D2C CTO
Details
Michelle Clancy
| 24 January 2019

Discovery has named Avi Saxena, former vice president of technology for Amazon Marketplace, as CTO for its direct-to-consumer business.

Saxena brings over 20 years of high-level tech experience with him to Discovery, over half of that with Amazon in a variety of roles. he also held leadership roles at Microsoft and several internet infrastructure start-ups. Saxena received an MBA from Southern Methodist University, an MS in Computer Science from University of Texas, Dallas, and a BS in Computer Science from SGS Institute of Technology and Science.

In the newly created role, Saxena will oversee the technology systems and global platforms that will serve all of Discovery’s D2C products in the US, including MotorTrend, and internationally, including Eurosport Player and the company’s new GolfTV service outside the US.

Saxena also will lead Discovery’s new Seattle office, which will serve as a hub for the organisation’s growing D2C team. The office, located in Bellevue, will open in the first quarter of 2019.

“Having worked closely with Avi at Amazon, I know his track record for creating best-in-business technology systems,” said Peter Faricy, Discovery CEO for global D2C. “As Discovery dives deeper into the direct-to-consumer space to deliver our superfan viewers more of the content they want, it makes perfect sense to create this new, DTC technology hub in Seattle. Discovery is embarking on so many exciting initiatives – from food and home to cars, golf and live sports. We look forward to opening these opportunities to the incredible pool of talent in Seattle as we add to Discovery’s existing global tech team.

“Discovery is one of the most dynamic companies in media right now, doubling its commitment to the direct-to-consumer space by building out this new, entrepreneurial team here in Seattle to augment the current global organisation. I am thrilled to help move the company forward, expand the platforms for fans to enjoy these much-loved brands, and create exciting new products that consumers cannot live without.”