Amanda Turnbull

Amanda Turnbull is Vice President and General Manager for Discovery in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), a regional division of Discovery, Inc. a global leader in real life entertainment, reaching passionate fans in 220 countries and territories around the world with content that inspires, informs and entertains.

Amanda is responsible for spearheading the strategic development of Discovery’s business across Africa and the Middle East, exploring innovative and creative ideas that will ensure long term growth for Discovery’s business, while maximizing multiplatform revenues.

Since 2014, Amanda has overseen Discovery’s Middle Eastern business, managing a portfolio of 16 channels and digital brands from its regional HQ in Dubai where she manages a team of over 40 staff. In Africa, Amanda oversees a successful portfolio of 9 channels working closely with local partners to unlock expansion opportunities across the continent.

With almost 30 years’ experience in the media industry, specializing in sales and marketing for international companies in Europe and Asia, Amanda first joined Discovery in 2007 as Ad Sales Director for the Emerging Markets, launching and re-building Discovery’s ad sales business in markets including Russia, Turkey and South Africa. Prior to rejoining Discovery in 2014, Amanda worked as Group Publishing Director for the Luxury division of Hearst Magazines UK, responsible for Harper’s Bazaar and Esquire.

Amanda has been recognized at the International Women in Marketing Awards in 2018, becoming the first female leader in the Middle East to be awarded. In 2018 Amanda was also honoured at the Emirates Women Awards, which were launched under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum in 2003, being awarded for Innovation in the Professional category.

Amanda holds an MA in Modern History from Cambridge University, Diplomas from the University of Michigan Business School and the European Television Management Academy and an MBA from Hult International Business School.