HGTV’s long-serving head of content Loren Ruch dies at 55

HGTV’s head of content Loren Ruch has died at the age of 55 after a battle with acute myeloid leukemia.

Loren Ruch

The well-liked and respected executive died on June 12, surrounded by his husband and close friends.

For two decades, Ruch was a central figure in the growth and enduring popularity of HGTV, helping to build its loyal audience through his oversight of programmes such as My Lottery Dream Home, Flip or Flop, Celebrity IOU, A Very Brady Renovation and Property Brothers: Forever Home.

He started as an executive producer at HGTV in 2005 before being elevated to director of original and special event programming in 2008. Three years later he was promoted to VP, development and programming at HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country, which were owned by Scripps Networks at the time.

When Scripps was acquired by Discovery in 2018, Ruch became group senior VP of production and development for HGTV. In early 2023, after Discovery merged with WarnerMedia to form Warner Bros Discovery, he was promoted to head of content at HGTV.

In a memo to staff, Warner Bros Television Group chairman Channing Dungey described Ruch as “the rare leader who lifted everyone around him.”

“Known for his unwavering dedication, endless kindness and unshakeable integrity, Loren built not only hit shows but enduring relationships, serving as mentor, advocate and true friend to countless colleagues across the television landscape,” she said.

Dungey also praised his programming instincts, saying he “helped position HGTV as a leader in lifestyle programming and developed a content strategy that produced buzzworthy tentpole series as well as a robust roster of franchises and fan favorites.”

“His impact stretched far beyond the screen. Loren was the connective tissue of every room he entered – the glue that bound teams, departments and friendships. He possessed the rare gift of making people feel seen, valued, and inspired to do their best work,” she added.