Carolyn Cassidy is set to take over 20th Century Fox Television’s current department as senior vice president, Current Programming. In the role, she will replace longtime Current Programming boss Jeffrey Glaser, who is departing “to pursue new challenges,” Fox said on Wednesday.
Glaser will remain on board as a consultant during the transition.
“Jeffrey has been an extraordinary contributor to the success of this company, and he will be deeply missed,” said 20th Century Fox Television President of Creative Affairs Jonnie Davis. “As he explores his next career options, he will always have an open door at this studio. And we’re pleased and grateful that he will serve as a consultant on many of our series.”
“The great news is that we have identified an incredibly strong successor in Carolyn Cassidy, who has been a tremendous asset to our comedy development efforts,” he continued. “She’s as smart and strategic as she is passionate about our series, and we think under her strong leadership and oversight, our current shows–which are the studio’s lifeblood– will continue to thrive and grow.”
“I’ve had a great experience working with such talented colleagues and extraordinary writers, producers and directors during my nearly two decades at 20th, and now is the right time to take on a new creative challenge,” Glaser said. “I am grateful to everyone at the studio, particularly Dana Walden and Gary Newman, for all the opportunities they have given me. To have worked on so many of television’s most iconic shows has been a real thrill, and I’ve learned and grown so much. I look forward to the next chapter.”
Cassidy joined 20th Century Fox in August 2009 as vice president, Comedy Series and was promoted to senior vice president four years later. Recently, she shepherded the development of ABC’s “Fresh Off the Boat” as well as Fox’s upcoming “The Grinder.” She also developed the long-running “New Girl” and “Last Man Standing,” and oversaw a roster of producers, writers and directors for the studio which included Jake Kasdan, Kourtney Kang, Scott Silveri, Kevin Hench and Nahnatchka Khan.
Cassidy started her career as a current executive at NBC where she worked on series such as “Will & Grace,” “The Office,” “Las Vegas” and “Ed.” She also served as a comedy development executive at ABC Studios where she helped develop “Samantha Who?” along with other cable and broadcast series.