Scripps Promotes Pair of Senior Execs

KNOXVILLE: Scripps Networks Interactive has elevated Burton Jablin to COO, while Kathleen Finch takes on the new post of chief programming, content and brand officer.

Jablin is currently the president of Scripps Networks. In his new post, Jablin will oversee sales, distribution, programming, digital and strategic planning for the company. He will also be tasked with ensuring greater coordination and cooperation between Scripps Networks’ domestic and international programming. He will continue to report to Kenneth W. Lowe, Scripps Networks Interactive's chairman, president and CEO.

Finch is currently the president of HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country. With her promotion, Finch will take overall responsibility for content across all six of Scripps’ domestic networks, including Food Network, Cooking Channel and Travel Channel. She will work out of Scripps Networks’ offices in Knoxville and New York City, and will report to Jablin.

“As Scripps Networks Interactive continues to grow, both in the United States and internationally, it’s important that we take a more coordinated approach to how we operate our business and create content,” said Lowe. “As one of the original founders of HGTV, and as someone who has played a key role in building our wider business for more than 20 years, Burton is ideally experienced to take on this expanded role.”

“Content is at the heart of everything we do at Scripps Networks Interactive, and we believe there is clear competitive advantage in taking a more coordinated approach to content development, production, scheduling and marketing across all of our U.S. networks,” said Jablin. “Kathleen has proven her creative acumen through strengthening HGTV’s position as a must-have network in the United States, with 14 months of consecutive growth and a 10 percent year-on-year ratings increase. I look forward to her working with teams across all of our brands to further solidify Scripps Networks’ position as the leader in lifestyle content development.”

Additionally, Shannon O’Neill, the president of Travel Channel, has been appointed managing director of finance and operations of Scripps Networks Interactive’s U.S. networks. O’Neill will report to CFO Lori Hickok, and support Hickok and Finch in the creation and implementation of more unified approaches to day-to-day operations, strategic decision-making and capital allocation across Scripps Networks’ business in the U.S.

“Shannon O’Neill has overseen the launch of one of the largest slates of new programming in Scripps Networks’ storied history, and I know that the network will reap the benefits of that work for a long while to come,” said Jablin. “I’m very pleased that the company will continue to benefit from his experience and expertise as we seek to further build our business in this fast-paced media landscape.”