Derek Chang, the former NBA, Scripps Networks and DirecTV executive, was named CEO of Friend MTS, a provider of content protection services.

Chang succeeds company founder Jonathan Friend, who will serve as the chief product officer.

“As we continue to innovate with groundbreaking solutions that our valued customers and partners have come to expect, now is the time to transition to our next leader and we are thrilled to welcome Derek to the helm of Friend MTS,” said Friend. “With deep expertise in the global sports and entertainment space, Derek brings invaluable insight to leveraging technology to create an impactful footprint for an ever-evolving media and content ecosystem.” 

Chang, who will be based in London, most recently served as CEO of NBA China. Before that he was head of international lifestyle channels for Scripps Networks Interactive and executive VP, content at DirecTV. He also held posts at Charter Communications, Yes Network and TCI Communications.

“It is my privilege to join Friend MTS as we ramp up our innovation of the technology essential to protect the needs of a complex global media industry,” said Chang. “We are at the forefront of rapid changes in consumer behavior, new business models and technology, and will ensure that creators, owners and distributors worldwide will have the formidable tools necessary to protect their valuable content.” 

Scripps Networks Interactive said it has promoted  long-time cable executive Derek Chang to the newly created position of head of international lifestyle channels.

Chang, who currently is SNI’s managing director, Asia-Pacific, will continue to report to International president Jim Samples and will relocate to London in July.

Chang joined Scripps three years ago after serving as executive vice president of content strategy and development at DirecTV. He is a long-time cable executive, serving in top roles at Charter Communications, Yankees Entertainment & Sports Network, GlobalCenter and TCI Communications/AT&T Broadband. 

 “Since joining Scripps Networks nearly three years ago, Derek has demonstrated a steady track record of building value for the company. We are confident that he is well suited to unlock untapped potential in the international marketplace,” Samples said in a statement.

In this new role, Chang will be responsible for leading and setting the strategic direction for the company’s international owned and operated lifestyle channels. Phillip Luff, Managing Director, UK & EMEA, and Eduardo Hauser, Managing Director, Latin America and the Caribbean will report to Chang.  He will also continue to directly manage the Asia-Pacific operations.

“We have a world class international senior leadership team driving the growth and expansion of Scripps Networks Interactive’s international business. Derek’s appointment to head up the regional teams headquartered in London, Singapore, and Miami reflects our commitment to building out our lifestyle channel portfolio across the globe,” Samples added.

Since its launch in 2009, the International Lifestyle Channels division now distributes seven entertainment brands including Asian Food Channel, Cooking Channel, DIY Network, Fine Living, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel reaching nearly 165 million households in more than 175 countries and territories across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Since joining the company, Chang has successfully led the integration of Asian Food Channel into the Scripps Networks fold; introduced and launched HGTV, the company’s third global flagship, across Asia-Pacific and established the channel as the #1 lifestyle channel in Singapore. He also developed Scripps Networks’ unique entry strategy into Australia via free-to-air with significant branded output deals across all three categories – resulting in the launch of SBS Food Network as well as HGTV and Travel Channel programming blocks on 9Life.