Online and on-demand horror movie hub FEARNet is launching [5] an HD cable channel Oct. 1, and to prep for the big day, the company named a new president and general manager in Peter Block.

Block was previously an executive at Lionsgate, where he served as president of acquisitions and co-productions. He also has his own production company, A Bigger Boat, that has worked on several Lionsgate horror movies including the "Saw" franchise, "Open Water," "Cabin Fever" and "Hostel."

Lionsgate is one of the partners behind FearNet along with Sony Pictures Television and Comcast. A Bigger Boat will continue to operate as an independent production company.

Block's promotion was announced Tuesday by Sony Pictures Television president Andy Kaplan.

"With his varied experience, both as an executive and as a producer on some of the most successful films in the genre, Peter knows how to thrill an audience and is a perfect fit for FEARnet … he's in a great position to take the channel to the next level," Kaplan said.

Block will be replacing Diane Robina, who served as the president of FEARNet while also working at the TV Guide Network, which also is owned by Lionsgate. According to the press release announcing Block's appointment, Robina will, "continue at FEARnet into the fall before turning her attention full time to her role as executive vice president, programming, production and marketing for TV Guide Network."