Scripps Networks Interactive, one of the world’s leading developers and producers of lifestyle video content, has appointed international media veteran Phillip Luff to lead its U.K., Europe, Middle East and Africa business.

As managing director of Scripps Networks U.K. & EMEA, Luff will be the lead executive for Scripps Networks in London, with responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the company’s wholly owned and operated international businesses in the region. The company’s regional U.K. and EMEA businesses include Food Network, Fine Living Network and Travel Channel. Luff will report to Jim Samples, president of Scripps Networks International.

“Phillip Luff is a strategic and creative leader with extensive knowledge of the international media landscape. His vision and experience will be invaluable as we expand our footprint across the U.K. and EMEA,” Samples said. “There is a clear demand for Scripps Networks’ category-defining lifestyle content around the world, and with Phillip’s expertise, we will continue to take new and innovative approaches to growing our business while launching new channels, developing stronger brands, and increasing audience share within the region.”

Luff has spent the last 20 years in senior international roles with leading television and broadcast businesses, and currently leads Discovery Networks International’s operations in Russia and North East Europe. He started his career in television with Liberty Media Group and FOX Sports Australia, and has since held a number of leadership positions with Discovery Networks International in Sydney, Tokyo, London, Warsaw and Moscow.

Jonathan Sichel, who is currently managing director for Scripps Networks U.K. & EMEA, is returning to the United States, as managing director of global commercial affairs. Sichel will work with Luff to transition leadership of the U.K. & EMEA business before returning to New York City in the new year.

In this newly created role, Sichel will be responsible for developing a global approach to content acquisition and commissioning, as well as working with Scripps Networks International leadership on analyzing the operational aspects of potential acquisitions and joint venture partnerships. Sichel will also lead global production and talent deals for the company. He will report to Cynthia Gibson, executive vice president, chief legal officer of Scripps Networks Interactive.

“As Scripps Networks Interactive continues to grow domestically and internationally, it is becoming increasingly important that we take a more cohesive view of the way we approach expanding our footprint as well as working with our content partners,” Gibson said. “Jonathan’s deep understanding of our brands and our businesses, both in the United States and in rapidly expanding international markets, will be critical as we seek to deliver on our ambition to grow into a truly global content company.”

About Scripps Networks Interactive

Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI) is one of the leading developers of engaging lifestyle content in the home, food and travel categories for television, the Internet and emerging platforms. Its lifestyle media portfolio comprises popular television and Internet brands HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and Great American Country, which collectively reach more than 170 million U.S. consumers each month.

Scripps Networks International distributes five entertainment brands including Asian Food Channel, Fine Living, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel in more than 170 countries and territories across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America, and holds joint-venture partnerships with BBC Worldwide in UKTV in the U.K. and with Shaw Media in Canada. The division manages the company’s program licensing and distribution function, which makes its high-quality content available in more than 220 countries and territories around the world. Scripps Networks International is headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., and New York, with regional offices in London, Miami, Milan, São Paulo and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.scrippsnetworksinteractive.com.