BBC Worldwide North America has appointed former Scripps Interactive executive Sergei Kuharsky as its senior vice president of strategy and business development, the company announced Thursday.

Kuharsky will be responsible for helping to drive growth across the company’s U.S. and Canadian businesses, and identifying new business opportunities through partnerships and acquisition, according to the BBC. Kuharasky, who will report directly to BBC Worldwide North America president Ann Sarnoff, will also take the strategic lead in the development of key franchises like Top Gear, Doctor Who, and BBC Earth across all businesses, said the company.

Previously Kuharsky served as general manager for Scripps Networks Interactive’s Food Network. Prior to that, Kuharsky was excutive vice president of sales and marketing at In Demand Networks.

"Sergei and I worked together at Nickelodeon to help expand Nick's brands," said Sarnoff in a statement. "Throughout his career, Sergei has a proven track record of success in building businesses. I can't think of a better person to help us plot BBC Worldwide North America’s strategy as we grow in the U.S. and Canada."