Channing Dungey Joins Netflix

Channing Dungey, who most recently served as president of ABC Entertainment, is joining Netflix as VP of original content.

Dungey will be reporting to Cindy Holland, VP of original content, and is expected to start in February. Dungey and Holland will partner in setting the strategic direction as well as in overseeing a portion of the slate, including some of the company’s overall deals with prolific producers such as Shonda Rhimes, Jenji Kohan, Kenya Barris and Marti Noxon.

Previously, Dungey had been overseeing all development, programming, marketing and scheduling operations for ABC prime time and late-night. She joined the network’s drama development department in June 2009 and prior to that oversaw development and acquisition of drama programming for ABC Studios.

Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer, said: “Channing is a creative force whose taste and talent have earned her the admiration of her peers across the industry. She’s a risk taker and ground-breaker and talent love working with her. I couldn’t be happier to welcome her to Netflix.”

Holland added: “We’re delighted to be adding Channing’s expertise, leadership and deep experience to Netflix, and I look forward to partnering with her as we continue to grow and evolve our global network. I have been a fan of her character and approach from our early days as executives.”

“I’m drawn to the forward-thinking, risk-taking and creative culture at Netflix, and the deeply talented people there, especially Ted and Cindy, with whom I’m excited to partner on setting the strategy for original content,” said Dungey. “Given that ABC, the place I’ve called home for nearly 15 years, represents the gold standard of traditional broadcast, it feels like the perfect next step for me to join Netflix, the unparalleled leader in streaming. I’m invigorated by the challenges ahead and the opportunity to forge new relationships, and excited for the very welcome reunion with incredible talent.”