BBC exec hired for Food Network roll-out

US channel operator Scripps Networks Interactive has hired a senior BBC executive to head the roll-out of Food Network across EMEA.

Nick Thorogood joins Scripps from BBC Commercial Agency, where he was head of factual, entertainment and formats.

He will be MD of the Scripps and Chello Zone joint venture charged with launching and expanding the channel in the region.

Scripps and Chello entered into the JV in the fourth quarter of last year, and hope to reach 15 million EMEA subscribers by the end of 2010. Scripps has the controlling stake, while Chello runs operations.

The JV’s strategy also encompasses the launch of Fine Living Network this year.

Thorogood’s resume also includes stints at Tiscali TV, Five Life and Five US, Astro Broadcasting in Malaysia, ITV Daytime and UKTV.