Comings & Goings

 

Scripps is looking to build a trifecta of lifestyle nets with HGTV, Food Network and its newest acquisition, Travel Channel. And it appears that strengthening the nets’ newest member requires some executive shuffling. SNI announced Andy Singer was promoted to GM and Ross Babbit, formerly GM at DIY Network, has taken on the role of Senior Vice President, Programming and Production for the net. Singer will set programming strategy and editorial vision, while Babbit will focus on creative and editorial direction and oversee producers, editors and program scheduling. Singer tells CableFAX that Baz Lurman’s film “Moulin Rouge” is a guilty pleasure. “It’s genius and a visual masterpiece,” he says. “I see something new every time I watch it.” He’s also quite the industry veteran, having worked in TV since he was 16. “Before that I rented out jet skis on South Beach.” Gotta start somewhere. Lastly, an item on Singer’s bucket list is having dinner with Steven Spielberg. “He inspired me to create and now I get paid to do what I love.” Meanwhile, at DIY Net, Chad Youngblood has slid into the GM role. Previously Youngblood was Senior Vice President of Home Category initiatives for SNI, where he launched branded initiatives in crafting, gardening and social media for HGTV, DIY Network and Scripps Networks Digital.

 

The Emma L. Bowen Foundation upped Sandra D. Rice to Vice President, Eastern Region and National Recruitment. Prior to the promotion she was Vice President, Eastern Region, which required managing the region’s activities. Now added to her responsibilities are strategic planning and oversight of recruitment across the country, which includes devising networks and procedures for finding the best and brightest students. Rice serves as a leader in a more casual setting, too. Every summer she participates in the American Legion-sponsored Girl State, a citizenship and leadership program for high school students. “They learn about politics, how to run for office, how the government works,” she says. “We create our own rules to live by.” It’s a great experience for the girls, but the role models themselves have a blast, too. “The counselors can’t get enough of it,” she tells CableFAX. Rice reports to foundation President and CEO Phylis Eagle-Oldson.

Comcast Spotlight has promoted three execs. Bill Haase was elevated to Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration, now responsible for overseeing the company’s $2 billion annual budget, including financial ops and reporting. John Tierney was named Senior Vice President, National/Regional Sales. He heads up national and regional sales for automotive, political and tune-in ads. And Kellie Grutko was appointed Senior Vice President, Marketing. Last year she presided over the company’s Eye-con marketing campaign, which supported ad sales affiliation agreements with satellite and telco providers. Marketing aside, Grutko is a physical fitness buff and volunteers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Crown Media Family Networks tapped Cheryl Grimley as Vice President, Advertising Sales, Western Region. She comes from Viacom Media Nets, where as Director of New Business Development she built partnerships for Nickelodeon brand assets. Grimley will report to Chris Ward, Senior Vice President, Ad Sales, Midwest Region, and Cindy Kelly, Senior Vice President, National Ad Sales and Sponsorships. Her tasks include overseeing ad sales for Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel, managing accounts, developing strategic ad solutions for clients and negotiating upfront deals. Grimley and her husband are big fans of live music, particularly rock. Next up on the concert agenda is Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, who plays with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in mid-March. Cooking is another one of Grimley’s passions—she loves cooking comfort food for friends.