ABC Family Expands Team with New Hires, Promotion

BURBANK: ABC Family has added to its executive ranks with three appointments and one promotion.

On August 24, Simran S. Sethi will join ABC Family as the senior VP of original programming and development. In her new role, Sethi will manage the scripted series development team and oversee the department’s daily operations, among other duties. Jennifer Gerstenblatt has been promoted to VP of current programming, replacing Kelly Goode, who has stepped down from the post. Gerstenblatt will be responsible for the creative direction for the current programming team, overseeing current programming projects and digital series, and taking responsibility for freshman and veteran series. Both Sethi and Gerstenblatt will report to Karey Burke, the executive VP of programming and development.

“I loved working with Simran when I was producing, and I’m thrilled to bring her energy, taste and passion to this network,” said Burke. “Her eye for bold, original content is perfect for our brand and will usher us into our next era of innovation programming.”

Burke added: “Jenn has played a key role in making ABC Family the powerhouse it is today. She helped shape and grow iconic series for the network, including the social media darling Pretty Little Liars, the Peabody Award-winning drama Switched at Birth and the very funny Baby Daddy. Jenn’s enthusiasm for her shows is infectious; she advocates for them like a true fan, and I’m so glad her passion and hard work is being rewarded and that she will continue to shape the future of our network.”

George Chen has been appointed as the VP of strategy and business development, reporting to Salaam Coleman Smith, the executive VP of strategy and programming at ABC Family. In his new role, Chen will manage the identification, exploration and analysis of new opportunities while developing new strategic business initiatives, as well as the research, evaluation and negotiations necessary to expand ancillary revenue and the network’s digital expressions while functioning as the key dealmaker for new partnerships.

“George is a smart, thoughtful and strategic thinker,” said Coleman Smith. “His business acumen, digital expertise and strong track record forging partnerships for the Disney|ABC Television Group make him an invaluable leader and driver of ABC Family's future growth.”

Meanwhile, Karissa Zigarovich joins the company as director of consumer insights, reporting to Ed Isabella, the VP of research. The newly created position is meant to grow ABC Family’s efforts to be an authority on “Becomers,” those in high school, college and the decade that follows. She will be charged with developing insights about the network’s audience, identifying cultural trends and leading consumer research projects about ABC Family’s brand, demo, development and current programming to influence strategy and key decisions.

Isabella commented: “When you make a new hire, it is really nice when you hear from someone at their previous company about how amazing they are. I, and what seems like half the ABC Family team, got similar comments about her. Karissa is a skilled researcher who has developed a keen understanding of young adults. I’m very excited to have her on board to help bring ABC Family closer to our Becomer audience.”

In addition, Brooke Bowman, whose credits include developing Secret Life of the American Teenager, Switched at Birth, Baby Daddy and Shadowhunters, will continue her relationship with the network, consulting on a wide range of original production and development.