New York, U.S – A+E Networks has announced four key promotions and one new position in its programming and original content groups, ramping up the programming division under new President & CEO, Nancy Dubuc.
Robert DeBitetto has been appointed President, Brand Strategy, Business Development, A+E Studios. Also, three programming and development heads are promoted to Executive Vice President and General Manager: Dirk Hoogstra for History and H2; David McKillop for A&E; and Robert Sharenow for Lifetime. Additionally, Jana Bennett joins the company as President, bio. and LMN.
DeBitetto will oversee A+E Studios and cross network brand strategy pertaining to A+E Networks’ corporate initiatives and business development. Prior to this role, DeBitetto was President and General Manager of A&E and bio. channels. Bennett will oversee the development, strategies, marketing and brand development for bio. and LMN. Prior to joining A+E Networks, Bennett was President, BBC worldwide networks & global BBC iPlayer at BBC Worldwide.
Hoogstra was previously Executive Vice President, Development and Programming, for HISTORY and H2 overseeing those networks’ programming teams, and managing the development, creation and execution of all programming for HISTORY and H2. McKillop served as Executive Vice President, Programming, for A&E & bio. channels since April 2011, overseeing the network’s Scripted and Non-Fiction programming teams, and was responsible for the development, creation and execution of all programming for A&E and bio. Sharenow was previously Executive Vice President of Programming of the Lifetime networks since March 2011. In his role, he spearheaded all programming activities for Lifetime’s scripted and reality series, as well as its original movies. Hoogstra, McKillop and Sharenow will be responsible for strategic planning, programming and development of their respective networks. The Marketing and Brand Development teams will now report directly to them.
“At A+E Networks, we have created an amazing culture that is focused on creativity and innovation, and this has driven unprecedented success. We have the top brands that appeal to Men, Women and Adults and we have strong brands in our emerging networks. With the ramp up and realignment of our programming groups, A+E Networks is well positioned to reach even greater heights,” said Dubuc.
