CINCINNATI – Christopher R. Powell has been named by Scripps Networks Interactive Inc. to head up corporate-wide human resources operations for the consolidated company.
Powell will be responsible for overseeing human resources for the company’s Lifestyle Media and Interactive Services business segments as well as aligning the department’s policies and goals with the company’s strategic business objectives. The Lifestyle Media segment includes the Scripps Networks television and Internet brands, HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, Fine Living Network and country music network Great American Country (GAC). The Interactive Services segment includes leading online search and comparison shopping services, Shopzilla and uSwitch.
Powell’s new corporate-wide responsibilities are in addition to his current role as executive vice president of human resources for the Scripps Networks operating unit. Powell also serves on the consolidated company’s diversity committee and the Scripps Networks executive committee.
Powell will succeed Jennifer L. Weber, who will be leaving Scripps Networks Interactive to join Duke Energy in Charlotte, N.C., as chief human resources officer effective Nov. 1.
“Chris will perform a vital role at Scripps Networks Interactive in our efforts to attract and retain a talented, diversified team, as well as establish and maintain a high-performance culture to help drive our growth strategies,” said Kenneth W. Lowe, chairman, president and chief executive officer of the company. “Our strategies include maintaining our core lifestyle brands on television, the Internet and other emerging media platforms, creating meaningful partnerships in large and growing international markets, and extending our food and shelter brands in the consumer marketplace.”
Powell, 40, joined Scripps Networks in 2007 from ING Group, a global financial services company where he served as vice president of organizational development and talent management. Prior to ING, Powell worked for Marriott International in Washington D.C. in various corporate human resources roles. He previously was a recruiter for Deloitte & Touche in Chicago and served as assistant director of admissions for Northwestern University. Powell began his career as a field sales manager with the Ford Motor Company.
He’s also a member of the Knoxville (Tenn.) Urban League and the Northwestern Alumni Association. For his work in the cable industry, Powell received the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) Luminaries award at the 2008 NCTA Cable Show.
Powell will continue to reside in Knoxville, which is where the Scripps Networks operating headquarters is located.
Weber joined Scripps in 2005 as senior vice president of human resources from Towers Perrin where she consulted in the design and implementation of rewards strategies and programs for several large clients, including Scripps.
“Jennifer has succeeded in transforming human resources at Scripps, bringing the discipline into the 21st century, and effectively linking HR with the overall strategic objectives of the company,” Lowe said. “She’s made a significant contribution to the success of all of our media businesses and has helped us build a strong, talented team that’s committed to the continued growth of the company.”
About Scripps Networks Interactive
Scripps Networks Interactive Inc. is the leading developer of lifestyle-oriented content for television and the Internet, where on-air programming is complemented with online video, social media areas and e-commerce components on companion Web sites and broadband vertical channels. The company’s media portfolio includes: Lifestyle Media, with popular lifestyle television and Internet brands HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, Fine Living Network and country music network Great American Country (GAC); and Interactive Services, with leading online search and comparison shopping services, Shopzilla and uSwitch.