Truly Original Expands Creative Leadership Team

Banijay’s Truly Original has added to its creative leadership team David Patry and Ronica Wynder and made a slew of promotions and re-ups.

Patry has been appointed senior VP and head of production and will run production management and current. Wynder has been tapped as VP of programming.

Patry previously worked at Fish Entertainment, Eastern and Fox International Channels. Prior to that, he worked in production for Evolution Media for over 16 years.

Wynder brings to her role extensive experience as an independent producer working across docuseries, reality and nonfiction. Previously, she was an executive producer on Bravo’s Porsha’s Family Matters and Kandi & The Gang. She has also produced for ABC News, A&E, MTV and E!

In addition to hiring the new executives, Truly Original has made several promotions and re-ups.

Michelle Schiefen, who joined Truly Original in 2014 as an executive producer and became VP of programming, has been upped to senior VP of programming and development. She has executive producer credits on series such as Family Karma, The Last Cowboy, Would I Lie to You? and Don’t Be Tardy.

Julie “Bob” Lombardi, senior VP of programming, has renewed her deal and relocated from New York to Truly Original’s West Coast offices in California. Her executive producer credits include Teen Mom: Young Moms Club, Basketball Wives, Real Housewives of Atlanta, Shahs of Sunset and The Last Cowboy.

Lorraine Haughton-Lawson, senior VP of programming, has also signed a new deal with the company. She has been integral to Truly Original programs such as The Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Real Housewives of Potomac and Shahs of Sunset. She was named senior VP of programming in 2018, having previously served as VP of programming. Prior to that, she worked at True Entertainment. Other credits to her name include Chopped, Bought & Sold and The Wendy Williams Show.

“We have an expert team who love what they do, and while this business is evolving on an almost-daily basis, we’re proud to be able to keep growing creatively and to attract top talent,” said Glenda Hersh and Steven Weinstock, co-CEOs of Truly Original. “With these team players, all at the top of their game, we’ll continue working to deliver great content to buyers and audiences.”