Rob Sharenow will head A&E in addition to his Lifetime duties — effective immediately — as David McKillop returns to producing, A+E Networks said on Monday.
“After a successful twenty-five year career in television, David McKillop has made the decision to return to his roots as a producer,” A&E President Paul Buccieri wrote in an internal memo, which was obtained by TheWrap. “I would like to thank David for his extraordinary contributions to both A&E and History, where he is credited with evolving the brand and developing many hit series including ‘Pawns Stars,’ ‘American Pickers’ and ‘Swamp People.’”
“I know you all join me in wishing him continued success and are excited for him to share the details of his next venture soon,” Buccieri continued. “I hope his future producing endeavors find a home on A+E Networks.”
In his new role — as general manager and executive vice president of both A&E Network and Lifetime — Sharenow will oversee all content creation, brand development and marketing for both network groups. Previously, he held those titles at just Lifetime since June 2013, where he oversaw “Devious Maids” and several hit basic cable original movies.
Sharenow joined Lifetime in March 2011 as its executive vice president of Programming. Prior to that, he was in the family as senior vice president of Non-Fiction & Alternative Programming at A&E Network.
Sharenow will report to Buccieri and Nancy Dubec.
“After 10 years of tremendous growth — we have a renewed focus on re-establishing A&E as a top tier brand,” Buccieri said on Sharenow. “Rob is the ideal candidate for the job. Before his tenure at Lifetime, Rob was instrumental in the success of A&E for nearly a decade. He was a key member of A&E’s leadership team that developed some of the network’s biggest hit franchises.”
“Under Rob’s leadership at Lifetime, the brand is undergoing a revitalization with a record number of Emmy nominations and returning series,” Buccieri added. “Rob is a great leader with the right balance of creative acumen and strategic vision, essential for today’s changing landscape.”
Here is Buccieri’s internal memo:
Good morning everyone,
I have some news to share.
I will be announcing in the press today that Rob Sharenow has been appointed Executive Vice President & General Manager, A&E and Lifetime.
After a successful twenty-five year career in television, David McKillop has made the decision to return to his roots as a producer. I would like to thank David for his extraordinary contributions to both A&E and History, where he is credited with evolving the brand and developing many hit series including; Pawns Stars, American Pickers and Swamp People. I know you all join me in wishing him continued success and are excited for him to share the details of his next venture soon. I hope his future producing endeavors find a home on A+E Networks.
After 10 years of tremendous growth – we have a renewed focus on re-establishing A&E as a top-tier brand. Rob is the ideal candidate for the job. Before his tenure at Lifetime, Rob was instrumental in the success of A&E for nearly a decade. He was a key member of A&E’s leadership team that developed some of the network’s biggest hit franchises. Under Rob’s leadership at Lifetime, the brand is undergoing a revitalization with a record number of Emmy nominations and returning series. Rob is a great leader with the right balance of creative acumen and strategic vision, essential for today’s changing landscape.
Rob will report to me for A&E and continue to report to Nancy, in regard to Lifetime, effective immediately. In his new role, Rob will oversee all content creation, brand development and marketing for both networks.
Please join me in wishing David well, and in congratulating Rob on his new role.
Best,
Paul