Discovery replaces Scripps-bound Luff

Discovery Networks International (DNI) has moved quickly to replace Phillip Luff as its lead in North East Europe, following his defection to rival factual broadcaster Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI) earlier today.

Phillip Luff

Luff will be the new MD of Scripps Networks UK and EMEA, leading the executive team based in London with responsibility for the company’s Food Network, Fine Living and Travel Channel networks in the region.

He will report to Scripps Networks International president Jim Samples and replace Jon Sichel who is returning to the US as MD of global commercial affairs. Sichel will work with Luff to transition leadership of the UK and EMEA business before returning to New York in the New Year.

Luff is currently country manager for North East Europe at DNI, based in its Moscow office and will be replaced there by Olga Paskina who was previously president and chairman of the board at Russian media holding company ProfMedia.

Olga Paskina

Paskina will oversee Discovery’s development in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, the Baltic countries and Central Asia, and is tasked with ensuring business growth and strengthening the position of DNI’s portfolio of 17 channels in North-East Europe.

Prior to DNI, Luff started his career with Liberty Media Group and Fox Sports Australia. He has since held a number of leadership positions with DNI in Sydney, Tokyo, London, Warsaw and Moscow.

Sichel’s newly created role will see him take responsibility for developing a global approach to content acquisition and commissioning, working with SNI’s execs to analyse operations and eye potential acquisitions and joint venture partnerships.

He will report to Cynthia Gibson, executive VP and chief legal officer of SNI.