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³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Worldwide Channels announced today that its flagship channel, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ AMERICA, has appointed John Taite as VP Multiplatform Programming. John will be responsible for developing ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Worldwide's editorial strategy in the US on branded digital platforms, future genre channel launches and other programming initiatives.

Since joining ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Worldwide in 2007 as VP Programming, EMEA, John reported to Dean Possenniskie (GM & SVP EMEA, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Worldwide Channels) and David Weiland (SVP Programming and TV Channels, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Worldwide Channels) and oversaw the successful launches of 12 channels in 12 months for the EMEA region. He takes up his new position this month and will report to ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ AMERICA's COO for Channels, Chris Carr, and Richard De Croce, SVP Programming.

Dean Possenniskie said, "As a key member of my senior management team, John's contribution to building ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Worldwide's channels business in EMEA has been considerable. From launch to growth phase, his instinct for great content, understanding of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ brand and connection with local audiences has delivered unprecedented success across the region. I, along with his team and the rest of the EMEA business, will miss him greatly but we also share his excitement for the great opportunity in America."

For the EMEA business, John built and managed a team of 35 and was responsible for a successful programming strategy that delivered unprecedented growth for the network, establishing the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ brand in the hearts & minds of local audiences. He was named one of 'Digital TV Europe' magazine's Top 50 media executives for 2009.

A search for a replacement VP Programming, EMEA is now underway and Dean Possenniskie has begun expanding the programming team by recruiting three new Heads of Scheduling for Poland, Africa and the Nordic region, underlining ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Worldwide's commitment to serve its audiences with programming tailored to local tastes.

Amy Castle-Young