Eurosport International: Yitz Shmulewitz named executive VP and COO

Yitz Shmulewitz (USA) was named executive vice-president and COO of Eurosport International, the sports pay-TV group confirmed to News Tank on 28/07/2014. "This is a new position for the organisation. Yitz Shmulewitz will not replace anybody," said Eurosport.

Yitz Shmulewitz had held the role of COO and CFO at the American pay-TV group Discovery Networks Western Europe since 2012. He will be replaced by Dominic Coles, who will join from his position as director of operations at the BBC, a position he had held since September 2012.

Discovery Communications acquired 51% of Eurosport International from the French TV group TF1 for an estimated €253.3m on 30/05/2014.

• Discovery Communications bought 20% of Eurosport International and Eurosport France from TF1 on 21/12/2012 for €170m.
• Under agreements between the two groups, Discovery had an option to increase, by 21/12/2014, its ownership of Eurosport International to 51%. This acquisition of a controlling stake in Eurosport International came seven months before the date specified in the original agreement.
• TF1 will retain its 80…