Disney taps Mills for new unscripted unit

The Walt Disney Company has appointed Robert Mills to oversee a newly formed production unit for unscripted programming.

Robert Mills

Mills has been named executive VP of unscripted and alternative entertainment at Walt Disney Television, having previously been senior VP of alternative series, specials and late-night programming at ABC Entertainment.

Mills will report to Craig Hunegs, president of entertainment at Walt Disney Television on the studio side, where he will lead Walt Disney Television Alternative, a newly formed production unit for unscripted programming.

He will also report to Craig Erwich, president of Hulu originals and ABC Entertainment, regarding development and production for alternative programming, specials and late-night for ABC Entertainment and Hulu originals, which has been added to his purview. He also adds oversight of ABC daytime programming.

Having joined ABC’s alternative department in 2003, Mills has been responsible for development, current production and specials for series including American Idol, Shark Tank, The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos.

“Rob is a respected and accomplished innovator in the unscripted business and his success is reflected in the countless hours of compelling content he has long championed,” said Erwich.

“This promotion is not only a well-earned next step in his career, it also demonstrates our commitment to the type of groundbreaking programming that Rob’s team is known for.”

Hunegs added: “Rob Mills is one of the premier developers of unscripted programming in the industry. We are excited to expand his role to run a new business unit devoted to creating alternative hits for every Disney platform and to produce more of this dynamic programming than ever before.”