Scripps Networks Interactive today announced that Markus Tellenbach is stepping down as President and CEO of Polish media company TVN. Jim Samples, President of Scripps Networks’ international division, will assume leadership of TVN Poland 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.

The move comes a year after Scripps Networks Interactive completed its acquisition of TVN. During that time, TVN has further solidified its position as Poland’s leading multi-platform media company. In 2016, the TVN portfolio has improved its market share among Polish audiences, while the main TVN broadcast channel further cemented its position as the leading network in the country. TVN’s digital player has become one of the fastest growing OTT services in Poland.

Kenneth W. Lowe, Chairman, President & 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.”

TVN broadcasts three free-to-air channels: TVN, TVN 7 and TTV; and 10 thematic pay channels: TVN 24, TVN Style, TVN Turbo, TVN24 Bis; TVN Meteo Active, iTVN, iTVN Extra, TVN Fabula, Mango 24 and local NTL Radomsko distributed via cable and satellite operators. TVN24 has maintained its leadership in Poland among news channels, while thematic networks TTV and TVN Fabula have substantially increased market share over the last six months. TVN’s advertising sales division TVN Media, which sells advertising across TVN’s portfolio as well as a number of third party networks, continues to be the leading television and digital sales house in the Polish market.