Brooke will oversee all programming, production, development and operations for Discovery's nine UK television brands including the Discovery Channel, Discovery Travel & Living and Discovery Home & Health.
He joins Discovery as it gears up to invest a larger slice of the network's $3bn (£1.7bn) programming budget into the UK over the next five years in an attempt to fill the gap left after its deal with Channel 4 ended earlier this year.
Brooke joined Channel 4 in 1998 and has worked his way up to controller of the broadcaster's digital channels in 2003, helping to build digital brands E4, Film Four and more recently the soon-to-be launched documentary channel More 4.
From 2001 to 2003, Brooke served as general manager of E4 where he was charged with co-developing the channel's creative output including securing US imports such as 'Dawson's Creek' and homegown shows such as 'Big Brother's Little Brother'.
Channel 4's digital brand E4 now ranks as the number-two rated digital channel for 16- to 34-year-olds.
Brooke joined Channel 4 as head of marketing and development for Film Four in 1998.
Robin Paxton, Discovery Networks Europe general manager, said: "With a strong track record in channel development and management, marketing and advertising, Dan will bring both vision and impetus to the leadership of our UK business."
Brooke succeeds David Abraham, who was appointed general manager of Discovery's US network in February.
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