Media veteran Paul Welling has been appointed Scripps Networks head of content for the UK & EMEA.
Welling will be responsible for all programming and content functions that span linear, digital, and VoD/OTT services. Based in London, Welling reports to Phillip Luff, managing director, UK & EMEA.
Welling will play an integral role in developing the strategic vision and guidance for the content and brand portfolio including HGTV, Food Network, Travel Channel and Fine Living Network which are distributed in more than 130 countries and territories across the EMEA region. He has been tasked with setting the vision and priorities for the programme planning, scheduling, acquisitions, commissioning, and digital creative teams.
“Paul is a dynamic leader who inspires and cultivates creativity in all he does,” said Luff. “His extensive background in building big, bold brands, curating content and developing high-quality digital products with premium commercial value will serve our team well as we as we further grow and solidify our channel portfolio across the region.”
Welling spent nearly two decades with Discovery Communications in a variety of leadership positions. Most recently, he served as senior vice president of international brand and franchise development for their international division. Prior to that, Welling held roles leading entire channels teams, inclusive of programming, production, marketing and communications, in the UK as well as in key markets across Central and Eastern Europe. Before joining Discovery, Welling worked at Flextech, United Artists, Surveyors and Grampian Television (ITV).
