According to sources close to Discovery, Heaton-Cooper has secured the job and left NBC two weeks ago.
He replaces Andrew Grieve, who left Discovery last month to start a new job at pay-TV broadcaster, the Travel Channel.
Chris Shaw, head of commercial controlling at Discovery, had been filling the UK position while Grieve's replacement was recruited.
It is understood he will return to his former duties as a consultant on commercial activity across EMEA.
Grieve announced his departure in February, weeks after Discovery had been hit by the walkout of its managing director Dan Brooke.
Sahar Elhabashi, chief operating officer for parent Discovery Networks International, is still handling Brooke's responsibilities on an interim basis until a replacement is appointed.
Discovery Communications declined to comment.
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