Markus Tellenbach is stepping down as president and CEO of the Polish national commercial broadcaster TVN.
Jim Samples, president of Scripps Networks’ international division, will take charge as president of the management board, based in TVN’s Warsaw offices. Samples, who heads TVN’s supervisory board, will lead the company until a new senior executive for TVN is appointed in due course.
Commenting on the development, Kenneth W. Lowe, chairman, president and CEO of Scripps Networks Interactive, said: “TVN has been an incredibly valuable acquisition for Scripps Networks, and continues to break new ground in developing and monetizing compelling content for Polish audiences. Markus Tellenbach is an accomplished media executive who has positioned TVN for sustained growth in both the linear and digital businesses. We thank him for his leadership and collaboration since the acquisition by Scripps Networks, and for his service to TVN over the last seven years.
“Jim Samples has been instrumental in the success of our international business over the last year, and his deeper involvement in Poland will enable continued integration between TVN and our wider global operations. The outstanding management team at TVN has been integral to the company’s recent success, and will ensure that the business continues to go from strength to strength in the future.”
Jim Samples said: “TVN is a vibrant and growing company that plays a key role in Scripps Networks’ international growth strategy. This is a very exciting period for the company, and I’m looking forward to working even more closely with the management team and TVN’s employees over the coming months to continue to grow the business for the long term.”
Scripps took over control of TVN a year ago.
