BBC Worldwide Taps Sergei Kuharsky for SVP Role

BBC Worldwide North America has appointed former Scripps Interactive executive Sergei Kuharsky as its senior vice president of strategy and business development, the company announced Thursday.

Kuharsky will be responsible for helping to drive growth across the company’s U.S. and Canadian businesses, and identifying new business opportunities through partnerships and acquisition, according to the BBC. Kuharasky, who will report directly to BBC Worldwide North America president Ann Sarnoff, will also take the strategic lead in the development of key franchises like Top GearDoctor Who, and BBC Earth across all businesses, said the company.

Previously Kuharsky served as general manager for Scripps Networks Interactive’s Food Network. Prior to that, Kuharsky was excutive vice president of sales and marketing at In Demand Networks.

"Sergei and I worked together at Nickelodeon to help expand Nick's brands," said Sarnoff in a statement. "Throughout his career, Sergei has a proven track record of success in building businesses. I can't think of a better person to help us plot BBC Worldwide North America’s strategy as we grow in the U.S. and Canada."

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.