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Rahul Johri adjudged Media Professional of the Year by World Brand Congress
With 19 years of experience in the media industry, Johri has steered the growth of Discovery Networks in the Indian subcontinent at a robust speed.
Rahul Johri, senior vice-president and general manager, South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific has been awarded the prestigious Media Professional of the Year award at the Global Awards for Brand Excellence, 2012.
The award reflects Discovery's performance and growth in South Asia region under Johri's leadership and his contribution in building a robust and varied portfolio of eight different channels, led by the leading non-fiction channel, Discovery Channel.
Johri joined Discovery Networks Asia Pacific in 2001 and currently leads the network's South Asia operations. He is responsible for the overall growth strategy of India's portfolio including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery HD World, Discovery Tamil and Discovery Kids.
Dr. R L Bhatia, project director, World Brand Congress, says, "World Brand Congress is pleased to confer to Rahul Johri the 'Media Professional of the Year' award for his outstanding contribution to the industry. His strategic thinking to translate the vision into action has contributed to the jury decision. He has the positive spirit and tenacity to make change in a hyperactive business environment."
Johri has been the driving force behind the network's pioneering localisation strategy, the launch of multiple language feeds across brands and increased nationwide penetration. His recent initiative, the launch of Discovery Kids, the game-changing channel in the kids' genre, has been applauded across the industry.
Johri has also commissioned a range of acclaimed series including 'Living with a Superstar: Shah Rukh Khan', 'What Not to Wear: India', 'Oh My Gold!', and 'Be Blunt with Adhuna Akhtar'.
He also spearheaded Discovery Channel's association with Yash Raj Films for the latest release, 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' and with the Indian Army for its women officers' expedition to Mount Everest in 2012.
Johri has 19 years of experience in the industry and has worked across various media verticals such as news channels, magazines and news dailies. He is a member of the Media and Entertainment Committee for Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). He is also a board member and treasurer of Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF).