TVGN hires Warner exec for originals

US cablenet TV Guide Network (TVGN) has poached a development director from the US arm of Warner Bros Television Productions UK, fka Shed Media Group.

Jessie Surovell has been appointed VP of development at TVGN, where she will be responsible for creating new original series for the network’s growing slate of programming.

Surovell developed series including Marriage Ref, Bethenny Getting Married, Hollywood Exes and Thintervention during her time at Shed Media US, where she was executive director of development. Shed Media recently underwent a rebranding in the UK after Warner Bros completed its buy-out of the company.

Meanwhile, Kristan Giordano, who has been at TVGN for a decade, has been promoted to VP of original programming, having previously served as an exec producer on more than 300 specials.

She will oversee TVGN’s expanded line-up of current programming, which includes Big Brother After Dark, Popsugar Now and The Story Behind franchise.

Both executives are based at TVGN’s headquarters in LA and report to Paul Adler, senior VP of original programming and development.

Adler said: “As TVGN continues to expand its original programming, both Jessie and Kristan will play significant roles in building and managing our growing slate of content.”

TVGN is a joint venture that combines CBS’s programming, production and marketing assets with Lionsgate’s interests in films, TV and digitally delivered content.