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Scripps adds Sony alum, Italy boss

Scripps Networks UK & EMEA has appointed the founder and CEO of Milan-based distribution firm Filmedia as country manager in Italy, and grabbed a former Sony exec to lead its commercial side.

Ross Hair

Ross Hair

Ross Hair arrives as senior VP of commercial for Scripps Networks UK & EMEA. He led Sony Pictures Television’s EMEA operations until his 2010 departure for sportscaster ESPN.

In his new role he will be responsible for distribution, brand growth and revenue across Scripps’ channels: Food Network, Travel Channel and Fine Living. He starts work at the end of March.

Filippo Ubaldini

Filippo Ubaldini

Filippo Ubaldini, meanwhile has been brought in to manage the Scripps operations in Italy.

He launched Filmedia in Febraury 2010, prior to which he was country manager for Discovery Networks Europe in Italy. He is set to join Scripps on April 2.

Ubaldini will be responsible for leveraging Scripps Networks’ brands across all platforms and distribution channels in Italy.

The exec has previously worked with Scripps Networks International to provide market intelligence and business development guidance, while he also supported Scripps Networks’ launch of Fine Living Italy.

The appointment follows the news that Nick Thorogood, senior VP of content and marketing for Scripps Networks UK & EMEA, and Jon Sichel, the company’s MD of content and marketing, will both be leaving.

Thorogood, former controller of ITV Daytime, is leaving after five years with the broadcaster, which operates Food Network, Travel Channel and Fine Living throughout Europe.

Sichel, meanwhile, is rejoining the Scripps team in the US as MD of global commercial affairs.

Their roles are being combined into a single job, which has gone to Phillip Luff who was hired from Discovery Networks International as MD of Scripps Networks UK and EMEA in December.

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