A+E Networks UK Names VP of Programming

LONDON: Heather Jones has been hired as the new VP of programming for A+E Networks UK, effective later this month.

In her new role, Jones will be charged with overseeing the programming strategy for the company’s networks in the U.K., Central Europe, Benelux, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Greece and Africa. She will be expected to lead audience growth through original commissions and co-productions, A+E Networks’ U.S. output and third-party acquisitions. In addition, she is going to be responsible for increasing the global expansion of A+E Networks’ U.K. channels, including HISTORY, Crime & Investigation Network, H2, Bio and Lifetime, which is set to premiere in the U.K this fall. She will be replacing Adam MacDonald, who is resigning to become the director of SKY 1.

Jones previously served as the managing director of ALL3MEDIA’s North One Television. Her other past positions include director of television at Viacom UK and managing director of Paramount Comedy, among others.

Tom Davidson, the managing director of A+E Networks UK, commented: "Heather Jones will bring a wealth of expertise and experience to our team. Her proven track record of driving audience growth and channel expansion across a variety of international networks and content genres makes her the perfect candidate for the role. I look forward to working with Heather on delivering an even greater range of brand-defining and innovative programming across all our networks."

Jones added: "I am delighted to be joining A+E Networks UK at such an exciting time. It will be a privilege to work across channels such as HISTORY and H2 that are recognized for their ground-breaking content, and I’m especially looking forward to leading the launch of a brand new entertainment channel. There’s a fantastic team at A+E Networks, and I can’t wait to work alongside them to deliver stand-out programming across their entire portfolio of channels and territories."