MUMBAI: Scripps Networks Interactive announced the creation of a new international leadership position with Derek Chang being promoted to head of International Lifestyle Channels. In this new role, Chang will be responsible for leading and setting the strategic direction for the company’s international owned and operated lifestyle channels. Current Asia-Pacific managing director Chang,  will continue to report to Scripps president - international, Jim Samples, and will relocate to London in July.

“Since joining Scripps Networks nearly three years ago, Derek has demonstrated a steady track record of building value for the company. We are confident that he is well suited to unlock untapped potential in the international marketplace,” said Samples.

UK & EMEA managing director Philip Luff and Latin American and the Caribbean managing director Eduardo Hauser will report to Chang. He will also continue to directly manage the Asia-Pacific operations.

“We have a world class international senior leadership team driving the growth and expansion of Scripps Networks Interactive’s international business. Derek’s appointment to head up the regional teams headquartered in London, Singapore, and Miami reflects our commitment to building out our lifestyle channel portfolio across the globe,” said Samples.

Since launching the international channels business in 2009, the International Lifestyle Channels division now distributes seven entertainment brands including Asian Food Channel, Cooking Channel, DIY Network, Fine Living, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel reaching nearly 165 million households in more than 175 countries and territories across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. The company’s lifestyle networks draw from more than 35,000 hours of original lifestyle series produced in the U.S. and around the world.

Since joining the company, Chang has successfully led the integration of Asian Food Channel into the Scripps Networks fold; introduced and launched HGTV, the company’s third global flagship, across Asia-Pacific and established the channel as the #1 lifestyle channel in Singapore.

Prior to joining Scripps Networks, Chang was executive vice president of content strategy and development at DIRECTV, where he was responsible for all content acquisition, original productions and programming operations. In addition, he managed DIRECTV’s regional sports networks and its advertising sales business.