Spike reshuffles as Duffy exits

US cablenet Spike TV has rejigged its original programming team as senior VP Tim Duffy prepares to leave for a new venture.

Hayley Lozitsky and Kevin Bartel are both joining the Viacom-owned network as VPs of original series.

Lozitsky started her career in the programme development department at E! and Style Network before a stint as an agent at UTA. Most recently she was senior VP of development at Ellen Rakieten Entertainment, developing scripted and unscripted programming such as Lifetime’s Pretty Wicked Moms.

Bartel was one of the first employees in the US arm of UK prodco Studio Lambert, helping to launch Undercover Boss on CBS. When Lambert merged into All3Media America, Bartel became VP of development and current programming.

Spike has also promoted Chris Rantamaki to senior VP of original series, where he will oversee all development and production, reporting to executive VP of original series Sharon Levy. Rantamaki helped to develop Ink Master, the channel’s highest rated series.

Justin Lacob has been upped from director to VP of original series, where he will oversee the development of Tattoo Rescue and other series.

The moves come as Duffy prepares to leave the network after nine years to form a new production company with his twin brother Mike. The new venture has already signed a development deal with Spike.