Georgiou joins Discovery from Lagardère Sports and Entertainment, where he has served as chief executive and chief operating officer since 2014.

"In this newly created role, Georgiou will drive the continued growth of Eurosport, the leading sports platform across Europe and home of the Olympic Games in Europe," the release continued.

"He will also coordinate sports rights acquisitions for the Discovery group and represent all of Discovery with rights holders, federations and agencies.

"In addition, Georgiou will develop and help execute a strategy that leverages Discovery’s premium sports portfolio to create unique solutions for marketers around the world."

Discovery and Eurosport are due to be Europe’s official Olympic broadcaster through until 2024.

Georgiou will report to JB Perrette, President and chief executive of Discovery International, who commented: "Andrew is an impressive leader with a strong commercial and entrepreneurial passion and track record.

"He’s the ideal person to lead the continued expansion of Eurosport and help find new ways to bring Discovery’s unparalleled multi-screen capabilities and assets to work for rights holders and marketers across the globe."

Georgiou commented: "I admire how Discovery is using its leadership position with Eurosport to revolutionise the company’s approach to delivering sports content across all media channels. The company’s ambitious plans to change the way fans consume sport ‘they can’t live without’ is an exciting journey to be part of."

Discovery, Inc has also appointed Paul Rehrig as general manager of Eurosport Digital, the direct-to-consumer business unit.

Rehrig joins Discovery and Eurosport from AMC Networks, where he served for nearly eight years as executive vice-president of digital and business development.

Rehrig was responsible for growing revenue from AMC Networks’ global digital partnerships and building the company’s successful direct-to-consumer subscription businesses.

In his new role at Discovery, Rehrig will oversee the development and implementation of strategies to enhance and grow Eurosport’s suite of digital direct-to-consumer products, including the Eurosport App, Eurosport Player - the only Europe-wide live sport streaming service – and Eurosport.com – the online sports news website engaging more than 30 million unique users per month.