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Long-serving Starz Entertainment executive VP of programming Stephan Shelanski will leave the company at the end of the year.
Shelanski has been with the US premium cablenet since its inception 18 years ago and is credited with driving its original programming push of recent years with hits like Spartacus.
He was key in forming strategic partnerships with the likes of BBC Worldwide following the success of Torchwood stateside, which led to the development of Da Vinci’s Demons, plus the upcoming Marco Polo scripted drama from The Weinstein Company and Electus.
“From developing our long term output deals, to launching compelling original series like Party Down and Spartacus, Stephan was instrumental in the growth and success of the Starz and Encore networks,” said Starz CEO Chris Albrecht.
“While Stephan will certainly be missed by me and the entire Starz Family, we wish him the best as he moves into the next phase of his career.”
There was no word on where Shelanski is headed.
His exit is the second high profile departure from the company this year following that of president and chief operating officer Bill Myers in January.
It comes after Starz parent Liberty Media recently revealed plans to spin off the business as a separate unit.
