ABC Entertainment Makes Key Exec Shifts

Paul Lee, president, ABC Entertainment Group, today announced several key executive shifts at ABC Entertainment and ABC Studios that the company hopes “will better align creative strengths against organizational needs.” In making the announcement, Lee stated: “These changes bolster the creative strength of our studio with two of our strongest up-and-coming creative executives; empower our current department, which is the heart of the network; and position our successful reality department for even greater achievement in the future.”

Effective immediately, John Saade, former SVP, alternative series and specials, ABC Entertainment, will be promoted to EVP, alternative series and late-night programming, ABC Entertainment, overseeing all of the Network’s primetime alternative/reality series and late-night programming. He will report directly to Paul Lee.

Vicki Dummer, former SVP, alternative series and specials, ABC Entertainment, will become SVP, current series and specials, ABC Entertainment, overseeing all current series and special programming for the Network’s primetime block, reporting directly to Paul Lee. Lynn Barrie, former SVP of current programming, will shift into development as SVP, comedy development, ABC Entertainment, reporting to Samie Falvey, SVP, comedy development, ABC Entertainment.

Patrick Moran, former SVP, drama series, ABC Studios, has been promoted to SVP and head of creative development, ABC Studios, overseeing all creative development for the studio, reporting to Barry Jossen, EVP, ABC Studios, with an editorial line on creative to Paul Lee.

Amy Hartwick, former VP, comedy development, ABC Entertainment, has been promoted to SVP, comedy development, ABC Studios, reporting to Patrick Moran. Also, as part of this announcement, Kevin Plunkett, former SVP, comedy development, ABC Studios, has decided to leave the group to pursue other ventures.