Scripps Bolsters UK & EMEA Teams

LONDON: Two new appointments have been made within Scripps Networks UK & EMEA, in an effort to continue to grow its international business.

Ross Hair becomes senior VP of commercial for Scripps Networks UK & EMEA, responsible for distribution, brand growth and revenue across its TV properties. Hair will have direct responsibility for the affiliate sales and on-air ad sales teams, and he will work closely with programming and digital to build cross-platform revenue. He begins his role on March 30. Previously, Hair was a media consultant to sports digital media startups in London, following three years as managing director for ESPN EMEA. Before his role at ESPN, he spent ten years at Sony Pictures Television.

Starting April 2, Filippo Ubaldini will be responsible for leveraging and optimizing Scripps Networks’ brands across all platforms and distribution channels in Italy, in the role of country manager for Italy. Ubaldini will manage content, programming and marketing; grow the audience for Scripps Networks in the region; and maximize distribution and revenue. Ubaldini joins from founding Filmedia.

Jon Sichel, the managing director for Scripps Networks UK & EMEA, said, “We are continually strengthening our organization as we evaluate the demands of the international marketplace and our commitment to growth. Appointing Hair and Ubaldini, both with strong commercial experience and impressive track records, to spearhead these divisions will ensure we continue to extend our brands and business opportunities across the region.”