Lionsgate TV has hired Jennifer O’Connell for the newly created position of Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming.
O’Connell will oversee the development and production of Lionsgate’s unscripted slate across all platforms.
“Expanding our footprint in alternative programming is a high priority for Lionsgate and we’re delighted Jennifer is joining us to help lead that effort,” said Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate TV Chairman, in a statement. “She is a highly accomplished executive and an important addition to our senior management team as we continue to build and diversify our television business.”
The executive joins Lionsgate from Core Media Group, where she has been head of U.S. television since 2012. She spent seven years at NBC, first as vice president of movies and miniseries and then as vice president of alternative programs, before joining Shed Media, where she was EVP of development and production for five years.
At Shed, O’Connell oversaw development and production on shows including Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New York City,” and at NBC, she oversaw the first four seasons of “The Biggest Loser.”
Lionsgate TV’s current unscripted fare include ABC Family’s “Monica The Medium,” BET’s “DeSean Jackson: Home Team” and E!’s “Christina Milian Turned Up.”