A+E UK replaces MacDonald

A+E Networks UK has appointed a new VP of programming as it prepares to add Lifetime to its portfolio of channels.

Heather Jones will join the company this month, replacing Adam MacDonald, who left to become director of Sky1 in March.

Jones, a former director of television at Viacom UK, will be responsible for A+E’s commissioning and coproduction strategy across its channels in the UK, Central Europe, Benelux, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Greece and Africa.

Reporting to Tom Davidson, MD of A+E Networks UK, she will also oversee the international expansion of channels including History, Crime & Investigation Network, H2, Bio and Lifetime.

As well as working at Viacom, where she was responsible for content on MTV and Comedy Central, Jones has also been MD of All3Media-owned prodco North One Television and consulted for broadcasters including RTÉ in Ireland, MTV and UKTV.

Last week, A+E Networks UK, a joint venture between A+E Networks and UK satcaster BSkyB, confirmed Lifetime’s long-anticipated launch in the UK would take place this autumn.